LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: February 22, 2008

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

Slow Start, Awaiting Budget Address and a Join Winning Team

Greetings from Frankfort ! We have just completed week three of the 2008 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly and to tell the truth these first weeks have been moving at a slow pace due in part to awaiting the Governor's budget address. By the time this article goes to print, Governor Beshear will have presented his state budget proposal for the next two years to a joint session of the House and Senate. Then the House--which is the chamber where state budget bills must originate under the state Constitution--will consider the governor's proposal when drafting the 2008-2010 budget bill in coming weeks.

The election filing deadline is the other major contributing factor for our slow start. 100 House members are up for re-election and about one-half of the Senate members. The last day to file to run for office was Tuesday, January 29. Historically, legislative energy does not pick up until after the filing deadline. I am in favor of moving the filing deadline and primary election so that it does not interfere with our legislative responsibilities.

Various committees have met to hear testimony and vote upon legislative measures during the past week. Legislation that would benefit Kentucky military veterans and active duty military marked our third full week as the House passed HB 57 and HB 168. House Bill 57 would aid veterans who apply for jobs within state government, requiring state agencies to give preference to honorably discharged veterans. House Bill 168 clarifies that active duty military returning home to Kentucky , not be cited or convicted for driving on an expired license, extending them a 90 days grace period to renew their license. Both bills now move to the Senate.

On a different note, many of you have been so kind concerning my journey with breast cancer that began in October 06. Well, I am doing great! Cancer is gone, doctors use the words “in remission” and my hair is back. (Hair is a bit different than I expected, describing it, I would say “wild and curly” but, it beats bald.) When you step into the ring with cancer it can be a scary and lonely place but, you made the difference. Please except my heartfelt gratitude for all of your cards, kind wishes, prayers, and support.

I have been so blessed and giving something back to our community is my way of saying thank you. I hope you will consider joining the team for the “08 Relay for Life” that benefits the American Cancer Society. My fighting, surviving and thriving team logo this year will is “WWW- We Will Win”. We will win the fight against cancer, we will survive and we will thrive! I would love to walk with you in this year's relay on June 20 th at Ryle High school . I am in Frankfort during the week, so to sign up and get your packet, please call my friend and co-captain Deb Bertke 859-384-0404.

Thank you again for allowing me to represent you in Frankfort . As always, do not hesitate to contact me through the legislative message line 800-372-7181, by email Addia.Wuchner@lrc.ky.gov and you may reach me at my home office on the weekends during session 859-525-6698.