LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: March 9, 2007

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

Issues, Heated Debates, Alliances… Working Towards Concurrence

Greetings from Frankfort ! 2007 General Assembly has now entered the ten day veto period. For a “short, non budgetary session” we have attempted an amazing amount of legislative work.

I have worked on legislation this session covering a variety of topics including Economic Development, Tax Incentive Financing (TIFs), education and healthcare issues and issues that affect those serving in Armed Forces. Some issues this session have ignited polarizing debates and many calls and emails.

2007 Session hot topic #1, House Bill 345, requiring all girls entering middle school to be vaccinated for the Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) raised a lot of public and parental concerns. While I commend the researchers and vaccine manufacturers for developing the HPV vaccine as it brings with it the hope of reducin 70 percent of the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer, I feel strongly that the Genral Assembly should not mandate this vaccine for school attendance and that it was important we respect the rights of parents to make informed medical decisions for their children. I filled a House Floor Amendment offering a three-pronged approach for public awareness, education, and a prevention plan on HPV and cervical cancer and include the State Health Department providing information and access for the HPV vaccine on voluntary bases and not as compulsory for school attendance. Even the position of the CDC, the American Medical Association, the Federal Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices was to recommend the vaccine, but not as mandate or requirement. After a forty- five minute, HB345 passed the House without the amendment 59 to 39, still required the vaccine for school attendance with an opt out provision.

Senate Bill 152 preventing State Universities from extending recognition of domestic partnerships prompted many calls of support and heated debate in committee. Passing in the Senate it then came to the House Health and Welfare Committee, were it was debated for three days. Some attempted to argue this was an issue of lack of healthcare but, the issue is not about lack of access to healthcare. This is about defining same sex and unmarried opposite sex relationships as recognized domestic partnerships for the purpose of expanded insurance benefits via a mutually signed affidavit. These domestic partnerships affidavits outline a relationship for unmarried couples that is substantially similar to marriage, which would be in violation of the marriage amendment of the Kentucky Constitution. The final vote was 8 to 8.

Increasing in the speed limit was a popular piece of legislation. Senate Bill 83, as amended by the House, specifies which interstates and parkways qualify for the increased speed limit of 70 m.ph. Sections of I-24, I-64, I-65, I-71, I-75, I-264, and I-275 are included along with Audubon Parkway, Purchase Parkway, Pennyrile Parkway, Western Kentucky Parkway, Cumberland Parkway, Bluegrass Parkway, Natcher Parkway and a section of the Mountain Parkway.

I have received hundreds of calls and emails on House Bill 418 the State employee pension bill that was amended in the Senate last Tuesday afternoon. Because all matters are subject to sweeping changes in these last days by the time you read this the measure may look totally different or be tabled until next session. New county and state employees hired after July 1, 2008 will be affected by this legislation as amended by the Senate. The bill does not affect current employees' or current retirees' benefits but the proposal does include restoring $538 million to the State Employee Retirement (KERS) plan and $290 million repayment to the Teachers Retirement (KTRS) plan.

The state employee retirement plan is not something I take lightly. While I remain committed to fully funding the shortfall from previous General Assembly sessions including the interest those investments would have accrued, I believe it is necessary to explore how the state's future retirement and healthcare may be structured. As we consider these issues we must keep in mind that employees of the State of Kentucky often work for less money than they would earn in the private sector and understand that this is often off set by the retirement and healthcare benefits that provide them with a sense of security for their future. Political wisdom calls on us to proceed with caution to ensure an outcome that is fiscally actuarially sound, responsible for our teachers and all state workers, and does not fall into the pitfall of unintended consequences.

Since the article a few weeks ago my concerning my battle with breast cancer, many of you have called and written offering your prayers and support. I have been deeply touched by your expressions of concern and would like to publicly thank you for your kindess. I am confinendent that your prayers have allowed me make this journey with confinence and trust in a postive outcome.

I will continue to keep you updated on our progress. In the meantime, I can be reached at home or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. Those with hearing impairments may leave a message for me through the TTY Message Line at 1-800-896-0305. If you have internet access, you can e-mail me at addia.wuchner@lrc.ky.gov.