About Us
The Kentucky
Economic Justice Alliance formed in 1998 as a partnership among two organizing
groups, a community media center, and two research and advocacy organizations.
We had previously worked together on various issue campaigns. But in the
late 1990’s we realized the need for a more deliberate and pro-active
alliance that could alter the political climate and win lasting changes
that improve the quality of life in Kentucky.
KEJA now consists of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Kentucky Youth
Advocates and Appalshop. Our groups each play different roles and have
different strengths. We are united by a commitment to building a diverse,
informed and active base of Kentuckians who support and work for economic
justice in Kentucky.
Our vision is a Kentucky where the basic needs of all individuals and families are met, where public funds are equitably distributed for the advancement of the common good, where private corporations are accountable to citizens, and where sustainable local economies are nurtured. We believe that a just society is one where democracy is practiced at all levels of decision-making. Further, a just society is one where racism and its consequences have been eliminated and where all people are treated fairly.
The positive
results of our work over the past 8 years include:
• Exempting Kentuckians earning less than poverty wages from paying
state income taxes.
• Closing numerous loopholes in Kentucky’s corporate income
tax laws.
• Defeating a little known provision in the Governor’s 2005
tax proposal that would require additional tax cuts for the wealthy in
any year when state revenues grow significantly.
• Shining a spotlight on critical tax and budget choices facing
Kentucky’s leaders and citizens.
• Working on a
successful effort in 2007 to increase the minimum wage in Kentucky.
KEJA priorities in 2008 focus on supporting revenue reform measures that move Kentucky forward.
KEJA
Economic Justice Policy Framework
Critical Issues
for 2006--2010