Government

Another advocacy group is using potential job losses to oppose Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's plan to cut Medicaid. The Responsible Budget Coalitions says the state would lose almost 38,000 jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity related to health care. The coalition includes advocates for retirees, housing and other services. Quinn wants to cut Medicaid spending by about $2 billion dollars, but Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability says it won't save that much because spending less means the state gets less in federal matching funds.

Elderly and Disabled Hopkins County residents can now opt out of firefighter dues permanently instead of notifying the county each year.  Officials say anyone who is 65 or older or who has a disability exemption may choose to opt out indefinitely. The ordinance allows anyone in the county to refuse to pay yearly dues to their volunteer firefighter departments. However, should a fire break out, the property or homeowner would be responsible for the entire cost of the firefighters response. Residents have until June 1st to opt out.

A decision is expected within six weeks over whether Instant Racing is legal in Kentucky. The state’s Court of Appeals heard arguments in the case today.

Instant Racing is a slots-like game that Kentucky racetracks hope to use to boost race purses. But the Family Foundation of Kentucky says the game isn’t pari-mutuel betting like horse racing, but instead is closer to a slot machine.

Foundation executive director Kent Ostrander says based on questions from the appeals judge, he believes the case will go back to square one.

Newly-released documents show that a Northern Kentucky businessman is the  primary donor and a significant fundraiser for a super PAC that's involved in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District race. But super PAC officials say the man has no official role with the group.

Richard Knock of Union is a frequent Republican donor and he supports Thomas Massie in the seven-way GOP primary for the Fourth District Seat.