LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: July, 2007

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

“The Cost of Doing Nothing…”

In politics, there are moments of great triumph and moments of sheer nonsense. Thursday I watched with great disappointment the sheer nonsense of partisan politics. As most of you know, the Governor called the General Assembly into Special Session to address a variety of issues deemed important. Matters that have had broad public support in the past were on the call. Rather than weighing each issue on its merit, House leadership decided to balk at the Governor's call. Constitutionality questions were raised and basically ignored, House members were blocked from speaking and the House was adjourned an hour and half after convening. As the result of partisan politics, we are privileged to serve in these hallowed Chambers. That being said, once elected the Citizens of this Commonwealth entrust us to proceed with principled debate and vision, working effectively and efficaciously for the good of Kentucky and her citizens.

The special session call has been widely debated. As I am hesitant to rush spending taxpayers dollars, I debated what constituted the necessity for a special session: the cost of convening, in contrast with the timing and urgency of pressing issues, and the cost of doing nothing.

It is the cost of doing nothing that I believe merits discussion…

“Coal diversification” opportunities abound: blessed with coal as our natural resource, we are fortunate to have such opportunities demanding our attention at this time. Keep in mind the corporate universe operates 365 days a year, and understands the significance of moving forward in an efficacious manor. Coal, alternative energy development, Bio-diesel and ag- diversification are extremely competitive arenas where responsiveness and the market share define success. Kentucky 's legislative decision-making process operates in the 30 or 60 day regular session universe, which is a good thing . (I do not favor a year round legislature) During a presentation on Friday to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, an official from Peabody Energy – Generation and BTU Conversion indicated that Peabody would be making a construction site decision within the next 90 days. The opportunity for Kentucky to be in the forefront of alternative energy development and overall economic impact for the Commonwealth, job potential in a regions with higher unemployment, I believe the issue is worthy of discourse at this time.

The vetoed projects; voted on in the past, should have been addressed before we adjourned in March. Each day the price tags on these projects increases, as is the nature of the inflationary process. Putting these projects out to bid now represents millions in cost savings.

Northern Kentucky University for example: cost to build new student housing verses the renovation of existing structures - at least a $7-8 million difference. The estimated escalation cost of renovation bid proceeding today or waiting until legislative authorization April 2008 – an approximate $1.5 million increase. In addition, the lag time of allowing this property to go unused, without generating revenue as student housing, is $400,000 on an annual basis. N.K.U. students realizing they would not have adequate campus housing this fall, resulted in the loss of 200 students. The NKU savings alone would justify legislative session expenditures.

Responsible for how and where we invest and spend taxpayer's dollars, do the math; this one example speaks sharply to the cost of doing nothing.

Tax breaks for active military: a very significant piece of legislation lost in the tensions between Chambers during the last hours of the 2007 session.

Debate and exploration of all facets of the issue are the utmost responsibility in our decision-making process. Fiscal constraint is a good thing. However, if we are honest with ourselves, many of the issues that we are challenged to address during this call to Frankfort , are the result of primary election partisan political drama mudding the waters during the regular session. Lack of meaningful communication and partisan politics prevented the movement, execution, and completion of our work during the last days of the 2007 Session.

Partisan dramas make headlines but, we cannot afford to allow it to seed irresponsible actions that erode communication and shut down the legislative process and actions that are beneficial to this Commonwealth.

I am the ultimate “glass half full” gal and in my heart believe in clichés like “what unites us is greater than what separates us". We must rise above the extremes of partisan pressures fueled by the November marathon to the Mansion. The Governor and his administration are poised to do what is right and worthy for Kentucky . The Senate is willing and awaits our response. I have witnessed how diligently my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle work, with servant's hearts on behalf of their constituents.

I hope that by the time you are reading this we have been able to set aside the fracturing spirit of partisan politics leaving it for the election process. May we serve to the best of our ability, honor your trust in us, and proceed as Stateswomen and Statesmen.

Representing your interest, I intended to call folks throughout the 66 th District, as I did during the 2007 Session, to gauge your perspective. Your input is always welcome, so please do not hesitate to contact me 502-564-8100.

Note: As of this article the Senate met for three days and passed 5 pieces of legislation that comprised the issues of the Governor's call. Both Chambers are adjourned as of Monday July 9 th , and scheduled to return July 30th .