*** Fletcher makes a WISE move. ***

I opened up my email box to see a message from Gov. Fletcher announcing the formation of 24 member commission to "study methods to address the current unfunded liabilities accrued by these individual retirement plans, including pension and health insurance benefits. Over the coming months, the commission will develop a plan to fulfill its retirement obligations to current retirees and employees while examining the appropriate level of benefits for future employees. The plan must be presented to the governor no later than Dec. 1, 2007." Fletcher also announced that "[t]he commission will be supported by independent experts and outside consultants."

Wise move, Governor! I do hope this announcement negates any necessity to call the Legislature back into a WASTEFUL special session, anytime before the Commission presents its study.

In another unrelated economic news that I also received from the Gov.'s office, unemployment climbed higher in 80 of Kentucky's 120 counties, lowered in 29 and remained the same in 11 in 2006 as compared to 2005.