This Is Who We Are
In March 2018, KY120 United organized to support educators, state workers, and the families and communities we serve in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. We had grown tired of watching barely-disguised school voucher programs attempt to siphon public funding from public education. We had grown weary of seeing constant schemes to privatize essential public services. We had grown sick of accepting inadequate compromises in our fight for fair compensation and secure retirement benefits.
When the “Red for Ed” movement emerged across the nation, we were on the front lines working to get the resources for the schools and services that Kentucky children and their families need and deserve. We fought against the so-called “Sewer Bill” in 2018 that would have drastically altered teacher pensions and destroyed retirement security for Kentucky educators. That battle was ultimately won when the state Supreme Court struck down this misguided legislative bait and switch.
Since KY120 United was formed, our mission has included advocacy for rational and fair public policies—and we have mobilized to elect public officials who share our values and our goal of making Kentucky a place where all children and all families have an opportunity to thrive.
When we came together—as teachers, public service workers, and parents—we were frustrated. It sometimes seemed no one was listening. But we decided we would not just agonize over our situation. We would organize to change it.
While we were fighting the General Assembly in Frankfort for education policy, our fellow public employees had no organized state-level group to advocate for ending the destruction of essential public services. Likewise, our friends who work for Kentucky’s colleges and universities had no one advocating on their behalf. We understand that an attack on one is an attack on all of Kentucky’s public employees.
As a result, KY120 United has become an important voice in state and local policy debates. We are actively involved in the legislative process in Frankfort—working to shape proposals and to block damaging legislation during each session of the General Assembly. And we marshal support for legislation that advances public education and quality public services. We also support candidates who share our goals. In 2019, we worked hard for the election of Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman.
In General Assembly elections, we endorse candidates who back key elements of our legislative agenda. And we work on the local level with school officials and other leaders. Now we are working to build our membership and expand our role advocating for sensible public policy.
When Kentucky educators and the families we serve are ready to fight against the barriers that are blocking progress, they can count on KY120 United standing with them for what is fair and just. We will never pull our punches in the fight to open the pathways to success for all Kentuckians.
