LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: March 27, 2009

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

2009 Regular Session of the General Assembly Ends In Atypical Fashion

Greetings from Frankfort . As the Speaker gaveled the “traditional” Sine Die (final adjournment) to this year's Regular Session, that is where the similarities to sessions of the past end ed .   The close of  2009  Session came not in the usual flurry of  passing bills as the clock strikes midnight but, but rather unassumingly mid-afternoon last Thursday, the 29 th day of the 30-day  Session.  Comparatively, this had been a much less contentious session..

While i ssues still seemed to inspire passionate debate, there appeared to be greater regard for House rules and mutual respect.   It was the first time in my tenure we held to the rule that “only bills for concurrence and possible veto overrides” would be addressed on our last two days.  There was definitely unfinished legislative business as we departed Frankfort , and yes, the debate that the rules should have been suspended to address pending matters was understandable.   Historically, problems occur in the closing days of session, when after days of meetings, debates and deals, legislation that we have passed often in both chambers (House and Senate) get stacked together onto one collective piece of legislation.  Typically hidden within folds of this new omnibus piece are a few added items that have not fully gone through the committee process or both chambers. That's where the rub begins.

Session adjourned, those bills are dead for now.  While there is disappointment, I believe this action does send a clear message to the citizens of the Commonwealth that we are committed to working at a level of cooperation , involvement and disclosure that will result in comprehensively sound legislation.

This Session began with an air of uncertainty as we arrived in Frankfort this January facing a myriad of multifaceted economic issues and projected budgetary imbalances.    The potential for success in this year's short session was questionable knowing some the issues that would be before us, such as addressing a $456 million budget shortfall, restructuring our decade-old education assessment system and developing a sufficient, workable road plan. Although these issues dominated media coverage over the past few months, there were over 500 hundred bills filed in the House and approximately 120 in the Senate.  We acted on and passed just over 100 matters of legislation.

In the end, we avoided deeper cuts to education while protecting base SEEK funding for our schools, Medicaid and other services.  We made strides in education by tackling the reform of the reform (KEARA that is)  and agreeing to replace the CATS testing system in public schools by the 2011-12 school year with a test that will more appropriately measure individual student achievement and limits cumbersome essay responses and writing portfolios as testing tools while preserving the art of writing.

I was very pleased as co-sponsor House Bill 408, which after five years of legislative work, was signed by the Governor last Wednesday.  House Bill 408 will benefit our Boone County and Walton Verona  schools as it provides a midyear recalculation for growth districts and addresses the SEEK inequities that have unfairly penalized our school districts for years.

House Bill 315, signed during a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda, will prohibit individuals convicted of sexual offenses from obtaining an account on MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites that minors frequently utilize and require them to register any online identification, including e-mail addresses, with the authorities.

Under Senate Bill 33, all United States and Kentucky flags purchased by state and local governments and flags which are purchased for display at polling places on Election Day will be required to be manufactured in the United States .

House Bill 124 will allow children wishing to see their parents or legal guardians whom are members of the United States Armed Forces and on approved leave to do so without being penalized with unexcused absences. 

Once again I am truly appreciative of your input and always look forward to discussing our work with you.  Even though the General Assembly has adjourned, my role as your voice in Frankfort has not ended.  You may reach me at home or leave a message for me in Frankfort through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181.  I am also available via e-mail at addia.wuchner @lrc.ky.gov .