Latest news with #Kerns
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
States face hard choices as budgets expected to tighten
Washington Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, center, met with several statewide elected officials in June to discuss how federal funding cuts under discussion in Congress and by the Trump administration could impact the state. (Photo courtesy of Washington governor's office) Slow revenue growth continues to pinch state budgets across the country, leading governors to propose spending cuts, hiring freezes and some tax increases. In its spring survey of states, the National Association of State Budget Officers found that general fund spending will hold steady in fiscal 2026 as states expect limited revenue growth but increased costs. Though most states are meeting or exceeding 2025 revenue projections, a growing number are downgrading their revenue expectations for the next fiscal year, Shelby Kerns, executive director of the national association, said in a news release. 'In a number of states, we're seeing expenditure projections outpacing revenue growth, forcing policymakers to make hard choices in order to balance their budgets,' Kerns said. Cutting services or raising taxes: State lawmakers weigh how to fill big budget gaps States typically wrap up budget work by the end of June, with the next fiscal year beginning July 1. Kerns said the organization anticipates states may need to make mid-year budget adjustments depending on upcoming federal changes in tax policy and spending. In recent years, many states have been flush with an influx of federal pandemic aid and strong tax revenues from a booming national economy. But with the end of pandemic aid, an uncertain economic future and deep cuts to state taxes, many lawmakers this year confronted major budget challenges in statehouses. Just weeks after signing a budget that required deep spending cuts and increased taxes, Washington Democratic state Gov. Bob Ferguson told state agencies to prepare for even more belt tightening. 'We will very likely continue to face a challenging state budget environment in the coming year and anticipate increasing caseloads and ongoing uncertainty in the economy and federal funding,' said a June 4 memo from the governor's budget director to agency leaders, according to the Washington State Standard. Still, many states continue to tout major levels of reserve funds. The National Association of State Budget Officers found at least 30 states expect to maintain a rainy-day fund balance exceeding 10% of their general fund expenditures. This year, 29 states grew their reserve funds, with the majority of states expected to continue to grow their savings next fiscal year. In Tennessee, general fund revenue growth is slowing, but state leaders were able to rely on $1.5 billion in unspent state funds and $700 million in interest earnings from federal pandemic funds, the Tennessee Lookout reported. 'Despite tighter fiscal conditions, states overall remain in a solid fiscal position with rainy day funds at near all-time highs, low debt levels, and strong credit ratings,' David Thurman, Tennessee's budget director and current association president, said in the group's news release. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@ SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A better year ahead: pork producers optimistic this year at World Pork Expo
Volunteers flip pork chops and ribs at the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the World Pork Expo June 4, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Despite an ongoing trade war and low profitability the past two years, pork industry leaders and producers at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines said Wednesday they are optimistic about the year. Lee Schulz, chief economist for said 2025 could be the 'quickest turnaround in pork producer profitability ever' — but, he clarified, that statistic says more about 'how bad the situation was' the past two years than it does about 2025. High input costs and decreased demand in 2023 caused what Schulz said was 'the worst year in pork producer profitability to date.' That was followed by 2024, which Schulz called a 'break-even year' which, while better than 2023, didn't alleviate producers' financial stress. Schulz's modeling for 2025 profitability, based on USDA statistics, predict $15 per head profitability increases for producers and a return to break even, when accounting for 2020 and 2023 losses, by August. Schulz said despite continued challenges facing the industry such as increased input costs, labor, and processing and slaughtering costs, pork producers are more efficient each year. He said trends of increasing litter rates and carcass weight in the industry mean that even with a historically low-breeding herd in December, pork producers 'are going to produce the most pork per breeding animal ever.' 'The efficiency, the productivity of this industry, is tremendous, and that trend is continuing to increase over time — even through challenges like we've seen in 2020, and 2023,' Schulz said. Shulz also said the new sausage production facility slated to be built in Perry by JBS 'speaks to the health of the industry.' According to National Pork Producers Council, the export market makes up more then 25% of U.S. pork production, and 55% of exported U.S. produced pork variety meats exports go to China. In April, China posted reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods, which equated to a total tariff of 172% on U.S. pork entering the country. The two countries agreed to a 90-day reduction on the tariffs May 12, which resulted in a 57% tariff on U.S. pork imported to China, according to National Hog Farmer. Joseph Kerns, a long term agricultural operations consultant now with AgRubicon, said pork producers should 'be selfish' and take advantage of the current market volatility caused by tariffs and other factors. Small business owners urge Iowa's congressional leaders to end the 'chaotic' tariffs 'You can either hyperventilate or you can do something,' Kerns said. He advises producers to remove themselves from the risk profile by using futures and options contracts to lock in a price while it's high. 'It's a marketing tool that every producer has at their avail and it is way cheaper than what it should be, in my opinion, and that's to our advantage,' Kerns said. The World Pork Expo brought more than 10,000 pork-industry producers and professionals from around the world to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Representatives from the Chinese livestock equipment company Kunlong International said around 40% of their clients are based in the U.S. and they usually add more to the profile at the expo. Lily Li of Kunlong International said the tariffs, as of yet, have not caused any changes in the company's relationship with American customers. Li said the company hopes to 'keep stable' from last year and maybe expand 'a little' to other countries. Doug Gruver, an Iowa pork producer from the Sully area, said he did not feel any added pressure at the expo because of the tariffs, but said he felt more optimistic about the upcoming year than he has the past couple of years. 'With the future prices the way they are, yes,' Gruver said. 'But we'll see what Q4 brings.' Kerns said the past couple of years the expo has seen evidence of hard times, adding that producers had seemed 'depressed' with the situation. 'This year, we're going to make money, and you're going to see more optimism,' he said of the 2025 expo. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade under new ownership after 92 years
(MANITOU SPRINGS) — The historic Manitou Springs penny arcade is switching owners, with a local taking over the largest arcade west of the Mississippi. In 1933, Jack Kerns launched Bingo Jacks as a gaming hall. After the Colorado Attorney General ruled that for-profit bingo games were gambling and illegal, the Kerns family moved to coin-operated arcade games and instant photo booths. Kerns later died in the 1970s, and his wife sold the Arcade to two of their sons. Now, long-time Manitou Springs local John Weiss is taking over the historic arcade. 'I see myself more as the Arcade's caretaker than as its 'owner,'' Weiss added. Weiss graduated from Colorado College and returned to Colorado Springs to launch Colorado Springs Independent, and later acquired the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Weiss won't be leading the arcade alone, as two Manitou locals, Maria and Alain Navaratne will also help Weiss and current General Manager 'AJ' lead the arcade team. 'If the weather is fine, more than 2,500 people will visit the Arcade over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend,' said Maria. 'We will be working to ensure that we are well prepared.' General Manager AJ will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and the 30 full and part-time employees. 'After working at the Arcade for the past eight years, what I love the most about my job is helping people have a wonderful time when they are on their vacations,' she said. The arcade's summer hours being Thursday, May 16, where the arcade will remain open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., or later depending on demand per the arcade's website. The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade can be found at 930 Manitou Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Salem pulls key word from levy going to voter in May election: Here's why
One of the most significant issues facing Salem voters in the May election — the livability levy to support the city's parks, libraries and Center 50+ — hit a road bump when the Oregon Secretary of State advised the city against using the word "livability" on its website and in information about the levy. The city isn't using the word because the Oregon Secretary of State's office determined it was too subjective for the city to use to participate in its "Safe Harbor" program. Under the program, a public agency can request the Elections Division review materials to ensure compliance with Oregon law. State law prevents public employees from supporting or opposing ballot measures during working hours. "If Safe Harbor is granted, and we later receive a complaint about the material, the division will not investigate or issue civil penalties so long as the material doesn't deviate from the approved version," Oregon Secretary of State spokeswoman Laura Kerns said in response to inquiries about the determination. She said safe harbor is a voluntary, optional process. Up until March 18, most city information and campaign support refer to the local option levy as the "livability levy." The word had since been scrubbed from the city's webpage about the levy, with the note "this information was reviewed by the Oregon Elections Division for compliance with ORS 260.432." "In this case, the City of Salem requested we review the language, which is how we got involved," Kerns said. "The review process is meant to be collaborative in which we'll work with the agency to find acceptable language under statutes, but the agency can choose to disregard our edits or use different language." City officials said they submitted web content, an informational flyer, a presentation and talking points for review. On review of the web content, the State Elections Division removed the reference to "Livability Levy" and replaced it with "Local Option Levy." "We can't advocate for or against any ballot measure, particularly one that involves a city," City Attorney Dan Atchison said during Monday's City Council meeting. "When we have this material (approved by the Elections Division), it allows staff to answer questions and not get fined or not get a potential complaint filed against them for advocating while on the job." When city leadership followed up for clarification on the term "livability," the Elections Division said it's a subjective term, and they don't allow it, Atchison added. The Elections Division's restrictions manual advises public agencies to "avoid language that would be considered persuasive, emotional or vague." "In our view, a word like 'livability' veers a little too closely to being part of a persuasion effort to encourage a 'yes' or 'no' vote, so we would edit it out," Kerns said. "At that point, it's up to the entity to decide whether to accept our edits or keep the language." The word "livability" has been used in other local elections without controversy, including the 2022 Safety and Livability infrastructure bond passed by Salem voters. The city's website for the 2022 bond still uses the word livability. Supporters of the levy for Salem's parks, library and Center 50+ highlighted a five-year operating level and renewal in Corvallis in 2023 as a model. Corvallis used the word "livability" multiple times in city information. The 'safe harbor' rules are new and were not in place in 2022 and 2023. But that doesn't change the fact the change was a terrible decision, former Oregon State Librarian and library advocate Jim Scheppke said at Monday's City Council meeting. Scheppke urged the city to continue to use the phrase "livability" or the phrase 'livability levy' in informational messaging. He said the phrase does not promote the adoption of the measure. "Their decision to disallow the use of the word 'livability' in connection with information from the City about the May 20th election is wrong," he said. "It will definitely color the City's information campaign in a negative way. This election is about livability. But you can't say that. Now you can only talk about a tax increase." He also pointed out that the Spanish version of the information continued to use the word "habitabilidad," which translated to habitability. "For more than a year, Salem voters have been hearing about a 'livability levy' at public meetings and in the media," Scheppke said. "It is what it is. It's the brand." He added that livability is just shorthand for libraries, parks, and recreation, and the Center 50+, just as public safety is shorthand for police, fire, and emergency services, he said. "My request to you tonight is to not take the bad advice from the Elections Division," Scheppke told the council. "Why? Because it will definitely color the city's information campaign in a negative way." For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@ call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem drops livability language from levy in May election
Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Six compete in April 1 election for three seats on West Aurora School District board
Editor's Note: This is one in a series of stories looking at contested races in the April 1 general election. Six candidates are vying for three open seats on the West Aurora School District 129 school board in the April 1 election. The two incumbents seeking re-election are board President Richard Kerns II and Julie Stone. The other candidates are Austin FitzCorbett, Cesar Valdez, Erika Garcia and Ana Cuevas. 'I have a passion for education and want to see our schools become the best that they can be for our students, so that no matter what they want to do post high school, they are positioned for success,' said Kerns, who is seeking his third term on the school board. 'We have a great district and community, and I want to help lift our district to even higher levels.' There are students who are not achieving at grade level, in part from the impact of the pandemic years while others are new to the district and there are some students struggling with academics, he said. 'I want to work with the district to find ways, whether that is through new curriculum (like the new ELA curriculum launching for elementary starting this fall) or different supports for teachers (coaches, paraprofessionals, interventionists, restorative coaches) or more pathway teachers (autos, welding, etc.) I want the district's dollars focused in this area,' Kerns said. 'This is a big lift, and I know the leadership is trying to think of everything possible to help do this. I want to support academics any way I can,' he noted. The state's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding – or pandemic relief grants – distributed to school districts have ended and the evidence based funding may become an issue as the state faces its own financial issues, he said. 'I don't know how much longer (the state) will be able to increase education funding by the promised $350 million per year until all schools hit our funding goals, but potentially one day soon this could very well stop,' Kerns said. District 129 has built-up 'significant reserves' in recent years, he said. 'We are not in the position where we were at when I first came on the board, only 25 days of fund balances. I don't want to see us return to this. So, this will mean being very judicious with where our district's dollars go, so that we can maximize every dollar spent, making sure they are going to the things that will help our district the most,' Kerns said. Kerns is a financial advisor with more than 20 years in the profession. The district has made 'significant strides' in the area of financial management, he said. The board has had numerous discussions about building its fund balances in the event of a state budget impasse, he said. 'Through prudent decision-making and disciplined spending, our district administration and the board collaborated to develop budgets that consistently produced surpluses. This strategic approach has enabled us to gradually improve our financial standing, culminating in a current fund balance that now exceeds 200 days,' Kerns said. 'This financial stability has afforded us the opportunity to update all of our buildings and grounds, shifting our focus to preventive maintenance. Consequently, we can now dedicate our full attention to delivering the highest quality education to our students. Additionally, this financial cushion ensures that we have the necessary resources to support both our teachers and students in the classroom effectively,' he said. 'I want to see our teachers supported in all ways possible so that they can focus on helping our students catch up from losses and excel in their education. Finally, I want to see our district be financially responsible and wise with the money our community has entrusted us for the education of our students so that we can be prepared in case of any funding issues in the future,' Kerns said. Kerns has had two children graduate from West Aurora High School and a third currently is at the high school. Stone is seeking her second term on the West Aurora board. 'During these last four years, I have absolutely loved all of the opportunities to celebrate our students and staff as they grow, learn and succeed in many different ways,' Stone said. Stone would continue to support students through academics and other activities, she said. 'I want to do everything I can to help support academic achievement and social-emotional health for all students in District 129. I want to see the rich history of West Aurora continue to grow as we promote opportunity and equity for all students. I also want to promote an environment of collaboration, trust and respect within our district and in our community,' she said. Stone has a master's degree in finance and worked in the corporate accounting and finance profession for more than 10 years. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. Her education and experience in finance have provided her 'the tools to help make sure that our district continues to be fiscally responsible in the future,' she said. Her focus is on academic achievement as well. 'I am proud of our rich history and tradition of excellence in West Aurora and I want to see that keep going,' she said. 'I want every student to continue to find curiosity, complexity and joy in learning, have access to a rigorous, comprehensive education as well as opportunities to develop their talents and passions. 'I want students to continue to have access to an ever-expanding range of career and college options so that every student can find something that they are passionate about,' she said. 'And I want to continue to equip our teachers and staff with the support and resources they need to support every student in their learning journey.' Stone remarked on the district's accomplishments in the past four years, notably 'expanded career path opportunities for our students with the opening of the West Aurora Automotive Center' and continuing fiscal responsibility. With two children in middle school and a child at the high school, Stone has been involved in Parent Teacher Organizations and other committees. FitzCorbett is a software architect and community volunteer, including Boys Baseball of Aurora. He co-organized the Aurora 4th Ward West Park Neighbors National Night Out, a free event that served more than 400 community members and hosted 20 local businesses, nonprofits, offices of elected officials and first responders, he said. FitzCorbett and his wife volunteer for Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry fundraisers, as well. The couple relocated to Aurora in 2023 and own a home near the high school, he said. 'I am running for the West Aurora School District 129 School Board because, at 25 years old, I believe that I can be a responsible community steward for many years to come. I know that our community's children are our community's future, so I want to spend my time ensuring that our public schools are developing the best possible outcomes for our students,' FitzCorbett said. There's value in working as a team on the board, he said. 'I understand that a single school board member can do little by themselves except inspire their fellow board members and hold them to a high standard. It requires a team effort to make long-lasting substantial positive change,' he said, adding he is prepared to make the commitment to serve as an 'effective member of the team.' His focus is aligned with district and board goals, he said. 'My personal aspirations are aligned with many goals already shared by the district's board and staff,' FitzCorbett said. Most notably, those are to 'achieve academic excellence at all grade levels, to become a paragon for educator retention and professional development, to graduate students who are truly career and college ready and to facilitate extraordinary parent and community involvement,' he said. Another focus is on school meals, he said. 'I wholeheartedly believe that the district should do more to improve the nutrition of school meals to go beyond the federal minimum nutritional standard,' FitzCorbett said. He said he has been endorsed by Aurora Education Association–West and recommended by the Aurora Township Democratic Central Committee. His youth would be an asset to the school board, he said. 'At 25 years old, I fully expect that other candidates' resumes are longer than my own. However, when I speak to respected elders in the community, I hear the same thing a lot, 'We need more young people to get involved.' With age comes experience, there's no doubt about that, but we also need elected officials that can easily relate to parents and recent graduates. I have much more to learn, but those who know me agree that I am prepared to serve as a board member,' FitzCorbett said. Valdez is a graphic designer specialist for a construction products firm in Aurora. He and his wife have two daughters in middle school and high school. He would consider it a privilege to serve on the board, he said. 'I'm seeking election to the board as my way of thanking and giving back to the district that has poured so much into my daughters' education. I have always been an involved parent throughout all of our daughters' education, attending all the events we can, getting to know all our teachers and staff, and encouraging our daughters to participate in as much as they can to get the most out of their schooling. I believe West is an amazing district and our students have a lot of opportunities to learn and excel in their lives through them.' One of his areas of focus is student-learning, he said. 'There's work to be done in helping our students improve throughout their education,' Valdez said. The educational experience can be a way to help students 'develop a sense of responsibility and love for learning' that can result in 'improved attendance.' 'I know (attendance) is something that the district struggles with,' Valdez said. Another area of focus would be parent involvement, he said. 'Through our years of experience, we have noticed (parent involvement) is not where it should be. Also, after the pandemic, we have experienced a growth in mental health issues, which is something I would also love to learn and help wherever I can,' Valdez said. He would also help continue building 'a healthy relationship with our teachers, staff, unions and be an ally to them.' He noted the district's student demographic as well. 'One other thing, which I believe to be very important, is the fact that I'm a Latino, and would be a great fit in a district that is mostly dominated by a Latino student demographic, and currently there's no such representation on the board,' Valdez said. Valdez said he volunteers as a youth leader in his church, working with seventh-grade boys. He has traveled for the past three summers to Poland, he said, to participate in an English Immersion Camp, where he has taught ESL to Polish and Ukrainian teenagers. Garcia is a health care provider who specializes in mental health services. She attended West Aurora schools and is now seeking a seat on the board as an advocate for education and mental health awareness and services. 'As a mother of a West Aurora School District student and an aunt to nieces and nephews at all educational levels in the district, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools,' Garcia said. Garcia is a behavioral health therapist at a community mental health facility and has prior experience as a social worker in the West Aurora School District, she said. 'As a Latina and first-generation American, I want to bring the voice of my community to the table. My background as a community social worker has allowed me to build strong connections, and I hope to use that experience to elevate the support services available in our district. As a board member, I will work to strengthen those connections and advocate for the resources our students and families need to thrive,' she said. One of her primary reasons for seeking election is to be an advocate for mental health awareness and restorative justice in schools, she said. 'Mental health support is crucial for student growth and success,' she said. 'By promoting mental health awareness programs, we can break the stigma and ensure every child receives the care they deserve. Additionally, I support restorative justice practices that prioritize dialogue, accountability and reconciliation over punitive measures. These approaches help students repair relationships, learn from mistakes and build stronger connections with peers and educators,' Garcia said. Her other interests are 'promoting community partnerships for collaboration and support.' 'Our schools thrive when they are deeply connected to the community. I believe in strengthening partnerships between schools, local agencies and family services to expand resources and opportunities for students and families. By fostering collaboration, we can create a supportive environment that enhances student success both inside and outside the classroom,' she said. Garcia also would be an advocate for 'family input to improve curriculum and school systems.' 'Schools should reflect the needs and aspirations of the families they serve. I will champion initiatives that actively involve families in decision-making processes, ensuring our curriculum and school policies prepare students for the future. By embracing innovative approaches and meaningful partnerships, we can create a more inclusive and effective education system for all students,' she said. Garcia said she serves as vice-chair for Companeros en Salud, a coalition that helps provide access for health-related resources and services to the Hispanic/Latino community and other diverse groups. She has an elementary school age child in the district. Cuevas is a bilingual pre-K teacher for East Aurora School District 131 who is seeking a seat on the West Aurora board. She previously worked 17 years as paraprofessional in West Aurora School District 129 and then returned to school and earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Cuevas said she is in the process of earning her master's degree in education. 'I want to ensure that the community is properly represented because, as a Latina teacher with experience and bilingualism, I offer great qualities to serve on the board,' she said. 'I also want to continue nurturing a safe and welcoming environment for all students in this diverse school district. I want to provide my insights as a former employee and a current teacher,' Cuevas said. As a paraprofessional in the West Aurora School District, Cuevas said she was able to build 'both a personal and professional rapport' with the administration, teachers, students and parents. Cuevas said she founded a nonprofit that started a food pantry and provides scholarships to DACA students as well as hosts events to provide resources for those in need. 'I believe that my experience has prepared me for the position of school board member,' she said. 'As a teacher I can understand the needs of students, the need to retain teachers, the importance of working in collaboration with the unions in the area of education and to protect our students who are the future professionals of this great country by having a safe and multicultural welcoming environment,' Cuevas said. Her two children graduated from West Aurora High School, she said.
