Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

There's some good news regarding Kentucky's unemployment numbers. It's at 4 percent—which is the lowest it’s been since the Bureau of Labor statistics began tracking this number in 1976. One reason for the change is that Kentucky has attracted new businesses. But another major change is also reducing unemployment. It's the new requirement for Medicaid recipients to work or go to school. The law says that able-bodied Medicaid recipients between 18-59 and not the primary caregiver of a child or parent must work or go to school. It's estimated to impact about 100,000 Kentuckians. But more than just getting people to work or school is how it impacts them on a personal level. Working brings dignity and any policy change that imparts human dignity is a positive change and good news.