LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: February 6, 2009

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

General Assembly Back to Business For February Portion of 2009 Regular Session

Greetings from Frankfort !

As we reconvened the February portion of the 2009 General Assembly, one of the first orders of business was to hear Governor Steve Beshear deliver his State of the Commonwealth Address.

The Governor began by mentioning the devastating ice storm that left thousands of our citizens without electricity and sheer destruction in its wake. After acknowledging and honoring the first responders who bravely came to the aid of so many Kentuckians, the Governor mentioned another storm devastating our state- the financial situation that has left us with a $456 million shortfall.

Highlighting his proposal to raise revenue through a 70-cent increase in the cigarette tax, the Governor also called upon us to study the two decade-old Kentucky Education Reform Act, renewable energy sources and the creation of job incentives.

While there are a number of options to address the budget shortfall, be assured that I am working closely with my colleagues in the House and the Senate. We will take the necessary steps to ensure protection of our citizens and to restore financial viability to our Commonwealth. I admit the problems we are faced with offer no simple solutions and we will be forced to make painful decisions. Yet, I am fully committed to working with every member in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to usher Kentucky through this storm toward brighter, more prosperous days.

Legislative committees began deliberating the merits of numerous bills this week.  Those which won committee approval headed to the full House and, if passed, go to the Senate for their consideration. 

The House Seniors, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee gave overwhelming approval to House Bill 39. This legislation modifies statutory language to enable military enlistees to obtain an operator's license. This committee also approved House Bill 61, which would add five to ten preference points to a veteran's examination score when applying for a state job.

House Bill 18, approved by the House Labor and Industry Committee, would prohibit political parties or campaigns from sending recorded political telephone messages to households that have registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. Those found in violation would be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and a fine of $5,000.

Legislation amending the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act won passage from the House Local Government Committee. House Bill 55 would permit any peace officer, active or retired, who has successfully completed an approved firearms instructor course to receive recertification.

The House Banking and Insurance Committee gave their vote of confidence to House Bill 59. Under this bill, the number of consecutive years an insurer may use an accountant or firm for preparing their audited financial statement would be reduced to five years. Current insurers may retain their accountant for tenure of seven years.

These are just some of the bills that were considered this week. As we continue to debate solutions to the budget shortfall, education reform and other pieces of pending legislation, I will update you on our progress.

 If you have any questions about our work in the General Assembly, I can be reached at home anytime, or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. A taped message containing committee meeting schedules is available by calling 1-800-633-9650. For bill information, please call the Bill Status Line at 1-866-840-2835.  Those with hearing impairments may leave messages for me by calling the TTY Message Line at 1-800-896-0305.  If you have internet access, you may e-mail me at Addia.wuchner@lrc.ky.gov or keep track through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page: http://www.lrc.ky.gov .