Senator Webb honored with Keystone of Grayson Award by the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce

Sen. Robin Webb received the Keystone of Grayson Award from the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce at the 39th Annual Community Service Awards banquet on Dec. 8.

Tyson Chicken announces expansion in Henderson

FRANKFORT (Dec. 20, 2016) – Tyson Chicken announced an expansion in Henderson Co., according to a release from Gov. Matt Bevin’s office and a report on Kyndle.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, said local resources are available to ensure the company’s success in the region.

To read the article, click here.

Senate Democratic Caucus elects leadership team

Jones re-elected Democratic Floor Leader

FRANKFORT (Dec. 16, 2016) – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus met today to choose their leadership team for the next two years.

Senator Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, was re-elected Senate Democratic floor leader and Senator Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, was re-elected caucus whip. Also, elected to the leadership team was Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, as caucus chair.

The legislature will convene the 2017 Legislative Session at noon Tuesday, Jan. 3 for a brief organizational session, which will conclude Friday, Jan. 6. Legislators will return to Frankfort Tuesday, Feb. 7, to continue the 2017 Legislative Session

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Sen. Gerald Neal (D-Louisville) appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Dec. 5 to discuss charter school legislation that may be introduced in the upcoming General Assembly.

Sen. Neal appeared on a panel with host Bill Goodman as well as Education and Workforce Development Secretary Hal Heiner; Jim Waters, president of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions; and Tom Shelton, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents.

To view the program, click here.

Sen. McGarvey to participate in White House Legislator Roundtable discussions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 5, 2016) – Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, has been selected to participate in two White House Legislator Roundtable discussions dealing with gun violence and middle class economics this week in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored to be selected to serve on these important roundtables,” McGarvey said. “I look forward to hearing ideas and concerns from government officials and legislators across the country to get a broader perspective on two very serious topics.”

Through the White House State Legislator Roundtable on Gun Violence, McGarvey hopes to gain ideas for addressing the escalating violence in Jefferson County.

“This is a topic in which we should come together. Yes, there are individuals who think we need more guns and others who believe we should have fewer guns, but no one wants more gun violence,” McGarvey said. “I hope to learn more about what other states, cities, and communities are doing to combat this problem and share that information with local and state leaders here in Kentucky.”

McGarvey hopes to use the White House State Legislator Roundtable on Middle Class Economics to gain insight on key economic issues that will be incredibly relevant as the Kentucky General Assembly looks at reforming the state’s tax codes.

These will be the last legislative roundtables held under the Obama Administration looking ahead to 2017.

Sen. Thomas to discuss gun violence legislation at Lexington Forum event

Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, will discuss a bill he prefiled to reduce gun violence on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Local Government and Firearms Regulation event hosted by Lexington Forum.

Thomas has prefiled a bill for the 2017 Legislative Session allowing local governments to regulate firearms and ammunition to reduce gun violence, except when state or federal law preempts local governance.

The forum will be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Hilary J. Boone Center at the University of Kentucky.

For more information on the Local Government and Firearms Regulation event, click here.

Sen. McGarvey appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Sen. Morgan McGarvey (D-Louisville) appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Nov. 21 to discuss the possibility of passing tax reform legislation in the upcoming General Assembly.

Sen. McGarvey appeared on a panel with host Bill Goodman as well as Sen. Christian McDaniel (R-Taylor Mill) and Jason Bailey from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.

To view the program, click here.

Sen. Clark participates in White Coat Program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, participated in the White Coat Program on Oct. 31 and went on rounds with Dr. Rodica Turcu.

The White Coat Program is through the Greater Louisville Medical Society and is intended to give community leaders a behind the scene look at the medical profession by shadowing practitioners in the medical profession. The program provides an opportunity to exchange ideas all for better healing of the community.

Senator Clark accompanied Dr. Turcu to a pediatric wing, where the doctors do not wear white coats because chronically ill children often associate pain and illness with white coats and the coats frighten them.

Yesterday, the children received a special treat. Since it was Halloween, Dr. Turcu traded in her white doctor’s coat for Minnie Mouse ears and clothes.

Sen. Webb appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Monday, Oct. 10, to discuss education issues.

Other guests along with host Bill Goodman were Representative Wilson Stone, D-Scottsville, Representative Phil Moffett, R-Louisville, and Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green.

The panel discussed education-related issues that might be addressed when the Kentucky General Assembly convenes the 2017 Regular Session in January.

To watch the episode, click here.

Webb represents the 18th Senatorial District that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

Senator Neal files bill to reduce felony expungement fee

FRANKFORT (Oct. 3, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, pre-filed legislation (BR 136) today to reduce the filing fee for felony expungement.

During the 2016 Regular Session, the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation (House Bill 40) to allow Kentuckians convicted of low-level non-violent felonies to ask the court to permanently expunge their records five years after they have completed their sentence or probation. The filing fee for an application to have records expunged was set at $500, a fee that Neal says is too high and unnecessarily burdensome.

BR 136 reduces the filing fee for felony expungement from $500 to $200 and would be waivable upon finding of indigency. In addition, the bill would clarify the refund procedure upon denial of expungement.

“The current $500 fee is just too high and appears to have no established relationship to the actual cause for processing,” Neal said. “Currently, Kentucky has the second highest fee in the country and is prohibitively expensive for many expungement seekers.

“We are trying to encourage and enable these people to become more productive citizens again,” he added. “Why would we want to encumber that process with an exorbitantly unnecessarily high fee?”

The first $50 of each fee collected is deposited into a trust and agency account for deputy clerks and is not refunded. Under Neal’s legislation, the remainder of the filing fee should be deposited into the general fund, and should be refunded if the application is denied. The court may waive all or any portion of the fee if the court finds that the applicant is indigent or financially unable to pay all or any portion of the fee. No filing fee should be required as a condition for filing an application relating to an offense for which a full pardon has been granted.

Neal said there are other items that need to be addressed in HB 40 to make it more effective and enabling more of our citizens to regain productivity. He calls for a reexamination of HB 40, including the following:

Adding charges dismissed without prejudice to the list of expungeable non-convictions;
Expanding the list of eligible felonies to include all Class D felonies that are not subject to enhancement; non-violent and non-sex Class C felonies; multiple qualifying felonies, even if not as part of a single incident;
Clarifying the meaning of multiple felonies “arising from a single incident” by defining what constitutes a single incident;
Clarifying procedures for expungements of multiple misdemeanors;
Clarifying procedures in pardon cases;
Limiting when certification is necessary by requiring certifications only for requests to expunge convictions;
Clarifying enhancement limitation, and
Adding requirement of removal of any references in related cases by requiring Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to remove references to the petitioner from all related cases, as tracked by AOC’s case information system.

BR 136 will be offered for consideration during the upcoming session, which convenes Jan. 3, 2017.

State Legislative Committee to meet in Ashland to address Kentucky’s drug problem

FRANKFORT (Oct. 3, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D- Grayson, and Rep. Kevin Sinnette, D-Ashland, will be joined by members of the General Assembly, Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear and other officials to address the commonwealth’s drug epidemic at 10 a.m. Friday, October 7 in Ashland.

“Drugs are a scourge on our society – across our state and nation,” said Senator Webb. “Despite legislative attempts to reduce the fatality rate, the overdose numbers continue to rise. Heroin overdose deaths are increasing, especially now that heroin is being mixed with stronger drugs such as fentanyl. Drugs and addiction are not only affecting the lives of the users, but also our families.”

There were 1,248 overdose death rates in Kentucky in 2015, compared to 1,071 in 2014, according to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. Heroin was detected in 28 percent of the deaths in 2015, which officials said was consistent with the previous year. In 2015, the pain killer fentanyl was a factor in 420 of the fatalities. That figure was up from 121 in 2014.

“Drugs are destroying our families and the problem continues to get worse,” said Rep. Sinnette. “A recent report from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy has counties in eastern Kentucky ranked as the worst in 2012-2015 in the rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 people. This is unacceptable.”

The meeting on Friday by the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary will focus on five areas:

Workable Solutions to the Drug Epidemic

o Kentucky AG Andy Beshear

o Rep. Russ Meyer

o Rep. Dennis Keene

o Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Corman.

Re-entry Drug Supervision Pilot Program

o Rep. Lewis Nicholls

Celebrating Families: An Evidence-Based Model to Strengthen Recovery

o Dr. Jennifer Kersker, Celebrating Families

Local Law Enforcement and the Drug Epidemic

o Greenup County Sheriff Matt Smith

2017 RS BR 22: Gross Misdemeanors

o Rep. Brent Yonts

Co-chairs of the IJC on Judiciary are Sen. Whitney Westerfield and Rep. Darryl T. Owens. Along with Sen. Webb and Rep. Sinnette, additional members are Senators Danny Carroll, Perry B. Clark, Carroll Gibson, Ray S. Jones II, Alice Forgy Kerr, John Schickel, Wil Schroder, Dan Seum, and President Robert Stivers, and Representatives Johnny Bell, Robert Benvenuti II, Joseph M. Fischer, Kelly Flood, Jim Gooch Jr., Chris Harris, Jeff Hoover, Joni L. Jenkins, Stan Lee, Mary Lou Marzian, Reginald Meeks, Suzanne Miles, Lewis Nicholls, Tom Riner, Ken Upchurch, Gerald Watkins and Brent Yonts.

The meeting will be held at the Ashland Community and Technical College – Technology Drive Campus, 902 Technology Drive, Grayson, KY 41143.

Senator Webb serves the 18^th Senate district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties. Rep. Sinnette serves 100^th House district that includes part of Boyd County.

WDRB.com reports on two prefiled bills from Sen. Neal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2016) – WDRB.com in Louisville recently reported on two bills that Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, recently prefiled on jury pools and jurors that will be considered during the 2017 legislative session.

The first attempts to widen the jury pool and would allow personal IDs to join other forms of identification for potential jurors. The second addresses jury pay and would increase daily pay for jurors from $12 to $40.

To read the WDRB.com article, click here.

Sen. Thomas pre-files minimum wage bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2016) – Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, today pre-filed a bill to raise the minimum wage for workers in Kentucky.

“In my opinion, this should be the number one economic priority of the General Assembly during the 2017 Session,” said Senator Thomas. “This one piece of legislation could do so much to help Kentucky families.

“The reasons to increase the minimum wage are innumerable,” he added. “An increase would raise the economic activity in the commonwealth and spur job growth in our communities. It would help to reduce class inequality. It would allow more people to afford housing and everyday essentials. It would reduce the number of families dependent on government assistance and would lead to healthier Kentuckians.”

BR 138 would increase the minimum wage incrementally, from $7.25 an hour to $8.20 beginning July 1, 2018, then to $9.15 in July 2019 and finally to $10.10 the following year.

“This would be an eventual increase of about $2,000 for those workers,” Senator Thomas said.

The bill would increase the minimum hourly wage for tipped workers. The employer must pay $2.13 an hour beginning on the effective date of this bill. As of July 2018, the employer would be required to pay not less than $3.05 an hour, then $3.95 in July 2019 and $4.90 in July 2020.

Small businesses, including retail stores, service industries, hotels, motels, and restaurant operations, earning less than $500,000 in annual gross sales would be exempt from the wage increase.

Thomas’ bill does not restrict the power of any city, county, urban-county government, charter county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government to adopt and enforce minimum wage rate ordinances in excess of the requirements of BR 138.

“Raising the minimum wage would be good for Kentucky’s families – all of Kentucky’s families including those in far western and far eastern Kentucky and those in central and northern Kentucky,” said Senator Thomas. “It is just the right thing for us to do.”

The last time a minimum wage increase in Kentucky was approved by the legislature was in 2007.

BR 138 will be considered during the 2017 Regular Session, which will convene Tuesday, Jan. 3.

WKYT-TV in Lexington reported on Sen. Thomas’s pre-filed bill. To read their report, click here.

Sen. Webb named to state’s 225^th Anniversary Commission

FRANKFORT , Ky. (Sept. 20, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, has been appointed to the Kentucky 225^th Anniversary Commission by Senate President Robert Stivers.

The commission will be a driving force behind numerous celebrations and continued education in 2017 that mark this milestone in Kentucky’s history.

“My family traveled to Kentucky with the Boone family in the 1700s so as a proud Kentuckian and a student of history, I look forward to serving on this commission,” said Senator Webb. “I consider it a great honor to be appointed and look forward to working with the other members to help make memorable events of the 225^th celebrations of our statehood that will be held in schools and communities across the commonwealth.”

The commission is charged with:

Studying and recommending activities, programs, and educational events that will be conducted throughout the commonwealth in recognition of the 225^th anniversary of Kentucky’s statehood;
Educating citizens and the nation on Kentucky’s history;
Serving as a coordinating point for information about various state, regional and local activities related to the 225th anniversary;
Recommending materials, programs and activities to public agencies, schools and interested organizations related to Kentucky’s history and the 225^th anniversary, and
Seeking grants and philanthropic support for activities celebrating the state’s history and anniversary.

Kentucky ratified a draft of its first constitution in April 1792 and submitted that constitution to the U.S. Congress. On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted to the Union as the nation’s 15^th state.

“Kentucky has a proud and exciting history,” said Senator Webb. “It will be an honor to be involved in the promotion of that history as well as our great commonwealth and its people.”

The commission is made up of legislators from both the Senate and the House of Representatives; Lt. Gov. Hampton; First Lady Glenna Bevin; and representatives from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Kentucky Historical Society, the Kentucky Education Association, the Kentucky Education Television, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

The commission will meet on Sept. 29^th.

Senator Webb represents the 18^th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

First Kentucky hospitals receive certification for sexual assault nurse examiner readiness

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2016) — Several Kentucky hospitals are the first to have obtained certification as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)-ready facilities. This means these facilities have successfully demonstrated readiness to provide round-the-clock response for sexual assault victims.

A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse with advanced training in the forensic examination of sexual assault victims and is credentialed by the Board of Nursing. The SANE certifications were issued to all of the St. Elizabeth Hospitals in Northern Kentucky, Fleming County Hospital and Meadowview Regional Medical Center by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) following passage of the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act by the General Assembly earlier this year.

“St. Elizabeth Hospitals, Fleming County Hospital and Meadowview Regional Medical have taken an important step in becoming SANE-ready,” said CHFS Sec. Vickie Yates Brown Glisson. “This designation demonstrates a commitment to providing a higher standard of care for sexual assault victims by ensuring they will be examined and treated by someone with skills and expertise necessary when dealing with this type of crime. This is a certainly step forward for victims’ rights in Kentucky.”

Intended to address the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits, the SAFE Act also seeks to improve the quality of medical care sexual assault victims receive by allowing hospitals to seek a SANE-ready designation if they have a SANE nurse on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I applaud these hospitals for taking the necessary steps to become SANE-ready facilities. It is crucial to provide victims of sexual assault with the highest standard of care,” said Sen. Whitney Westerfield. “This certification is another victory in the fight for victims’ rights in Kentucky, and I hope our state continues to show victims and their families that we are taking seriously their treatment and well-being.”

“I commend these facilities for demonstrating their readiness to examine and care for assault victims and look forward to more facilities participating in this program,” said Senator Denise Harper Angel, who sponsored the legislation which paved the way for SANE certified facilities. “The SAFE Act is so important for protecting Kentuckians and helping bring justice for individuals who experienced these terrible crimes. The SAFE Act clears a path to justice and it tells victims — many of which have been waiting for so long — that they’ll wait no longer.”

Kentucky lawmakers passed the SAFE Act with bipartisan support during the 2016 General Assembly. Following its passage, Governor Matt Bevin proposed an additional $4.5 million for the state crime lab to help it meet new testing deadlines set by the bill.

“Making sure sexual assault victims receive quality, compassionate care in the immediate hours following an assault can help them begin the long journey toward healing,” said Eileen Recktenwald, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP). ” KASAP commends these hospitals for recognizing the importance of SANE readiness and seeking the certification, and we hope others follow suit.

CHFS will be charged with annually certifying SANE-ready hospitals, posting a list of certified facilities on its website and providing the list to the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. The state Board of EMS, in turn, shares that list with the local EMS providers.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announces grants for upgrades at Kentucky riverports

Five riverports receive grants for upgrades and repairs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2016) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today that five Kentucky riverports have been awarded $500,000 in grants from Kentucky’s Riverport Financial Assistance Trust Fund. The grants will fund necessary riverport improvements and repairs.

“Kentucky’s river cities have done great work developing our waterways as commercial assets,” said Cabinet Sec. Greg Thomas. “By making these necessary investments in our riverports we support their efforts to create a more competitive and efficient transportation infrastructure that grows the economy of the entire state.”

Riverports in Hickman, Paducah, Eddyville, Owensboro and Henderson will receive matching grants to supplement investments made by each riverport on projects like dock dredging, pavement rehabilitation, railroad repair and crane restoration.

Sen. Joe Bowen said the grant will enhance the expanding Riverport, making it more competitive and connected to a global market.

“The grant from Kentucky’s Riverport Financial Assistance Trust Fund for the City of Owensboro will be another tool in the toolbox for enhancing our expanding Riverport in our community. Bettering this global port will make Owensboro even more competitive and connected to a global market, and I look forward to seeing the new updates implemented.”

Rep. Suzanne Miles is grateful the investment will allow Henderson and Owensboro to continue to be both efficient and competitive in a global market.

“I am grateful to the Transportation Cabinet for their assistance in seeing our projects through,” said Rep. Suzanne Miles. “The riverports in Henderson and Owensboro are vital assets to the economic growth of our communities, and this investment will allow us to continue to be both efficient and competitive in a global market. I look forward to seeing the future success that occurs with the help of these important grants.”

Sen. Stan Humphries believes the grant funds will be of great benefit to Lyon and Fulton Counties as they work towards becoming competitive assets in Kentucky waterways.

“I am pleased to learn that the City of Eddyville and City of Hickman were awarded a grant from Kentucky’s Riverport Financial Assistance Trust Fund. Western Kentucky has been consistently working toward being a competitive asset in Kentucky’s waterways, and these grant funds will certainly benefit Lyon and Fulton Counties, as well as the surrounding areas.”

Rep. Steven Rudy said the funds are critical to ensuring Paducah’s economic growth is not hindered.

“The grants provided by the Transportation Cabinet will be extremely helpful as we work to make critical upgrades to our riverport,” said Rep. Steven Rudy. “Paducah has seen immense growth, and we must ensure that we are setup for continued success. The upgrades made to our docks and truck scales will allow our area to remain competitive, and I am grateful to the Transportation Cabinet for their assistance in ensuring Paducah’s economic growth is not hindered.”

Sen. Danny Carroll said the river infrastructure is imperative for efficiency, safety and the region’s transportation abilities.

“This improvement of Paducah’s city and river infrastructure must continue not only for the sake of efficiency and safety, but also to advance our region and Kentucky’s transportation abilities. I thank the Kentucky’s Riverport Financial Assistance Trust Fund for awarding Paducah this grant and I look forward to seeing the improvements continue.”

Sen. Dorsey Ridley was pleased the funding will help make the necessary restorations on the main dock crane, ensuring cargo can reach its destinations.

“I am pleased that the Riverport Authority has received funding to make the necessary restorations on the main dock crane, especially since the facility is known for its crane capacity. “It is important that this top-knotch facility has the equipment to allow it to continue to ensure that its cargo can reach its destinations in the U.S. and abroad as efficiently as possible.”

According to a 2012 study by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky moved 98 million tons of commodities worth approximately $10.1 billion by barge to 199 manufacturing facilities, terminals and docks in 2008.

Additionally, Kentucky’s riverports allow for a far more efficient transport of bulk commodities than land-based freight systems. One gallon of fuel can move 1 ton of cargo 514 miles compared to 202 by train and just 59 by truck.

“Riverports are vital to connecting Kentucky to the global economy,” Greg Curlin, chairman of the Water Transportation Advisory Board said. “We’re proud that the Trust Fund helps each Kentucky riverport upgrade critical infrastructure to prepare for export and import growth.”

Kentucky’s Riverport Financial Assistance Trust Fund and the Water Transportation Advisory Board that makes recommendations on how Trust Fund resources are allocated was created by the General Assembly in 2010. By statute KYTC administers the program and since 2013, Kentucky has awarded $500,000 in grants for public riverport upgrades each year.

Sen. Neal files gun storage safety legislation

FRANKFORT (Sep. 12, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, recently prefiled gun storage safety legislation (BR 186) to be considered during the 2017 Legislative Session.

Under BR 186, a person would be guilty of unlawful storage of a firearm when he or she recklessly stores a firearm in a manner that allows a minor to have access to a firearm which is not secured by a trigger lock; and the minor, without legal justification, accesses the firearm.

Children in homes with guns are at an elevated risk for being involved in unintentional shootings. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. has one of the highest reported rates of unintentional child deaths in the world.

“The statistics for unintentional shootings are staggering and avoidable,” Neal said. “Much too often, and recently in Louisville, we hear reports of a child involved in an unintentional shooting. Studies show that most children know where parents keep their guns and many have accessed those guns when their parents were not home and/or the weapon was unattended or unsecured. This is a problem that cries out for common sense action to protect our children. It is our job to keep them safe.”

The proposed bill is designed to encourage responsible action of those in possession of a gun, to take steps to secure them in the interest of safety. If the bill gains approval, the unlawful storage of a firearm will be a Class B misdemeanor, unless the minor, without legal justification, uses the firearm in a manner which results in physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to the minor or another person, in which case it would be a Class A misdemeanor.

Between 2007 and 2011, 311 children age 14 and under died from unintentional shootings – 62 deaths a year, according to the CDC. Children hospitalized with non-fatal injuries totaled 660 for each of those years.

Neal said that BR 186 was drafted with the support of Luther Brown, executive director for the Boards 4 Change and the Little-Hand, Little Feet Gun Safety Program.

The General Assembly will consider the bill when legislators return to Frankfort in January for the 2017 Legislative Session.

Sen. Thomas appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sep. 12, 2016) – Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss Medicaid, including the Medicaid expansion and the waiver submitted in August by Gov. Matt Bevin.

Thomas, who has served in the Senate since 2014, is a member of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

Senator Thomas appeared with Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, vice chair of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources; Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Florence, vice chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee.

Renee Shaw served as substitute host for Bill Goodman.

Thomas represents the 13^th Senatorial District that includes a portion of Fayette County.

To view the broadcast, click here.

Sen. Harper Angel’s Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 signed by Governor

FRANKFORT (Aug. 25, 2016) – The SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence) Act 2016, sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, was signed today by Governor Matt Bevin at a ceremonial bill signing at the Kentucky State Police crime lab. Also known as Senate Bill 63, this legislation establishes the policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits.

“I am so pleased that we were able to get this important bill passed during the 2016 session,” said Harper Angel, D-Louisville. “It speaks volumes to victims of sexual assault all across our commonwealth. It says you will wait no longer for justice, and that we the government will do what we can and what we must to defend, protect and ensure proper justice for all those victims.”

Under Senate Bill 63:

Each law enforcement agency will need to develop a written policy and procedure manual related to sexual assault kits;
All sexual assault kits shall be taken into custody from the collecting facility within five days;
All sexual assault kits shall be submitted to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Crime Lab within 30 days;
All sexual assault kits submitted to a law enforcement agency shall be tested;
Law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from destroying any sexual assault kits, and
All victims shall be notified of the progress and results of the testing.

The measure also requires the average completion date for assault kit testing not to exceed 90 days by July 1, 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 1, 2020.

Currently, it takes about eight months for a sexual assault kit to be tested once it is submitted to the lab. Harper Angel said that the time it takes to test these kits is too long.

SB 63 is in response to a legislative-ordered audit that found there are 3,090 untested sexual assault examination kits in Kentucky.

“During the long but very important process of developing this bill, the working group put together legislation that ensures swift justice for victims of sexual assault, takes criminals off our streets, and protects future generations,” said Harper Angel, who sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 20 during the 2015 Legislative Session that called for the audit. “This bill is step two to ensure that victims receive swift justice.”

Harper Angel represents the 35^th senatorial district, which includes a portion of Jefferson County.

During kickoff event, Gov. Bevin, Mayor Fischer laud UPS on $310 million expansion of Centennial Ground shipping hub

Company creating up to 300 jobs as it adds space, equipment to serve customers quicker

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 25, 2016) – During a groundbreaking event today, Gov. Matt Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer welcomed the 300 full and part-time jobs global shipping giant United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) plans to create with an approximately $310 million expansion of its Centennial Ground hub in Louisville.

“This expansion by UPS, a global leader in logistics and shipping, will further improve the speed and service that the company delivers to its customers,” said Gov. Bevin. “This investment by UPS also reaffirms Kentucky’s leading role among states as a hub for logistics and distribution excellence.”

“The UPS hubs in Louisville have attracted dozens of businesses to the region that rely on fast and accurate shipping. The additional capacity and hundreds of new jobs created by this expansion at the Centennial Ground hub will help UPS play a powerful role in Kentucky’s economic development future. On behalf of our administration and the people of Kentucky, I am thankful to UPS for its continued commitment to the Commonwealth.”

The more than 580,000-square-foot expansion will nearly triple the size of the UPS Centennial Ground Hub facility to 838,000 square feet in response to increased e-commerce and traditional retail package volume.

The project will roughly double the company’s current sorting capacity to 85,000 packages per hour and add additional sorting automation equipment, including automated conveyor systems, six-sided address label decode tunnels and label applicators.

The hub’s proximity to the UPS Worldport at the Louisville International Airport allows UPS to provide end-of-runway express service to its customers in Louisville and surrounding areas.

Construction will take place in three phases and is expected to continue through 2020. The project will not affect pickup and delivery operations.

“We are excited to have construction underway,” said Lou Rivieccio, president of UPS’ Ohio Valley District. “This project is a win for everyone involved. It will benefit our customers, generate jobs, and enhance economic development in Louisville and the surrounding region. Centennial offers UPS customers the advantage of being at the center of the world’s largest package delivery company. It is one of UPS’ most important facilities.”

Mayor Fischer recognized the company for its economic impact on the community.

“UPS is one of the major economic engines in the city and state,” he said. “We are pleased that the company is continuing to invest to ensure outstanding service for shippers large and small.”

UPS, founded in 1907, is headquartered in Atlanta. In 1975, UPS became the first private shipping company to serve every address in the lower 48 states. Initial construction on the Louisville Centennial Hub began in 2007, the company’s 100th anniversary, and it opened in 2008. Louisville is a vital point in the UPS express network with approximately 2 million packages moving through the city each day to destinations in more than 220 countries and territories around the world.

Kentucky’s central location and robust infrastructure make it ideal for companies like UPS’ ground and air shipping operations. The Commonwealth has 19 interstates and major highways, five commercial airports and dozens of regional airports across the state. A target industry, the distribution and logistics business sector nearly 55,000 people at more than 420 facilities across the state.

Sen. Perry Clark, of Louisville, pointed to the strong relationship between UPS and Louisville.

“Louisville and Jefferson County welcome this growth and the boost to our economy that will follow,” he said. “We stand ready with a skilled workforce to fill the 300 jobs generated from this investment. UPS has always been a good corporate partner and we look forward to continuing that relationship in the future.”

Rep. Jeff Donohue, of Louisville, thanked the company for its commitment to the community.

“Today’s groundbreaking speaks volumes about UPS’ commitment to our community and the faith the company has in its second-to-none workforce,” Rep. Donohue said. “I want to thank its leaders for investing so much more here and creating these additional jobs. I am proud to work with our state and local leaders in helping to make projects like this possible, and I look forward to doing even more in the future to improve our economy.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved UPS in October 2015 for up to $1.75 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

UPS can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, eligible companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on UPS, visit www.UPS.com.

A detailed community profile for Louisville can be viewed at www.bit.ly/LouisvilleJeffersonCo.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

Senator Parrett receives 2016 Leadership Award

Recognized for passage of the Brianna Taylor Act

FRANKFORT (Aug. 15, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, is the recipient of the 2016 Leadership Award for his work to keep repeat DUI offenders off Kentucky roads. The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) presented him with the award last week at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) in Chicago, IL.

Parrett successfully pushed legislation through the 2016 session to broaden the window that allows for stronger penalties for repeat drunk driver offenders. Senate Bill 56 increases what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years.

SB 56, known as the “Brianna Taylor Act,” is named for a Hardin County 17-year-old killed in 2014 by a habitual DUI offender.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Parrett said, “but the true recipients should be Tonya and David Taylor. They worked by my side as we pushed this life-saving measure through the Kentucky General Assembly. Tonya and David wanted Brianna’s death to have meaning and to keep other families from experiencing such a tragic loss. This will not prevent people for driving under the influence, nor will it eliminate alcohol-related deaths on our roads. But it will reduce the number of habitual offenders and as a result save lives.”

Before Parrett’s bill, it wasn’t until the fourth DUI conviction in five years that under Kentucky law the offense was treated as a felony. By increasing the look back window, DUI convictions remain on a person’s record longer, which allows that behavior to be considered during sentencing.

Parrett’s legislation also expands the quarterly reporting window of pending DUI cases to 180 days from 90 days.

“Drunk driving has resulted in the loss of too many individuals and Senate Bill 56 is an important piece of legislation that will help prevent further tragedy in Kentucky,” said Parrett. “I believe in strong penalties for repeat DUI offenders and by extending the lookback period for drunk driving offenses to 10 years, convictions will stay on a person’s record longer. Safer roads and communities are crucial for the well-being of Kentucky and I am humbled to receive the Leadership Award from Responsibility.org for my efforts in this area.”

Since its inception, Responsibility.org has worked to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking through the development of innovative programs and by actively supporting legislation that is designed to discourage these dangerous and illegal activities. Each year, they honor the state legislators who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the ongoing fight against drunk driving and underage drinking.

“Kentucky has made great progress this year in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking, and we are honored to work alongside State Senator Parrett, who has been integral to this fight,” said Ralph Blackman, president and CEO of Responsibility.org. “For the last 25 years, we have led the charge against drunk driving and underage drinking, but we would not be nearly as successful without the help of state officials, who strive to introduce new legislation that will help keep drunk drivers off the road and reduce the prevalence of underage drinking.”

Parrett, who represents Hardin County and a portion of Jefferson County, worked on this legislation for two years. He has been a member of the Senate since 2011.

Louisville Plate Glass opens new production facility, plans to add up to 90 jobs

Longtime business increases capacity, installs cutting, fabrication and tempering equipment

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today congratulated Louisville Plate Glass, a century-old manufacturer of architectural window and building-panel glass, on opening a $5 million production facility, a project expected add up to 90 jobs.

“Louisville Plate Glass is setting a great example for all manufacturers by recognizing and acting on an opportunity to expand. The result is the creation of 65 new jobs in Kentucky,” Gov. Bevin said. “In addition to providing state-of-the art manufacturing space, this new facility also increases LPG’s capacity and product range. We applaud this innovative vision and look forward to the company’s continued success.”

During a ceremony today, U.S., state, local and company officials cut a ribbon on LPG’s 60,000-square-foot building at 4301 Chefs Way in Louisville’s Newburg neighborhood. The facility adds manufacturing space and, for the first time, a glass-tempering line, a high-capacity automated cutting line, and water-jet fabrication, enabling production of heavy glass doors and fabricated shower enclosures. Previously, LPG purchased pre-tempered glass sheets to fabricate its high-strength products.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled than to open our new manufacturing plant today,” said LPG President Bill Stone. “This new facility and the hires we’re making to staff it will help us even better serve our market footprint in the central U.S. Most important, by our actions today we have secured an iconic Louisville company for decades into the future.”

Founded in 1911, LPG manufactures insulated glass, heavy laminated glass and spandrel or opaque glass used to mask floor slabs and building mechanicals in glass-walled buildings. It also distributes building panels, flat glass and fire-rated safety glass. Its customers include contractors and construction companies throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.

Stone repurchased LPG in 2009 during the Great Recession from United Glass Corp, a company in which he was a founder. His partners had wanted to shutter LPG and turn over its markets to their Atlanta facility. However, Stone felt an obligation to his staff to restore LPG to its status as a major industry player. The result was a comeback. LPG revived its sales and employment following the Great Recession.

With the new location in the works, Stone sold LPG earlier this year to Florida-based Aldora Aluminum & Glass Products as a matter of succession planning. The Louisville facilities and products are keeping the LPG name. Aldora has facilities in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando as well as Charleston, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C.

During the company’s ribbon cutting event today in Louisville, Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner spoke on behalf of Gov. Bevin.

“I want to salute Bill Stone for once again bringing great jobs and economic opportunity to Kentucky,” Sec. Heiner said. “His commitment to our Commonwealth is unsurpassed — both as a model business leader and as a tireless civic advocate. Bill has dedicated his life to moving Kentucky forward, and I am proud to celebrate this historic day with him and the Louisville Plate Glass family.”

Sen. Denise Harper Angel, of Louisville, welcomed the new facility and said the local workforce is ready to fill any jobs openings.

“Louisville and Jefferson County welcome the growth and new jobs at Louisville Plate Glass’ new production facility,” she said. “Our community has a skilled workforce ready to meet the company’s future labor needs. Louisville Plate Glass has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”

Rep. Tom Burch, of Louisville, expressed gratitude for the company’s decision to expand its Louisville presence.

“I’m extremely pleased to see Louisville Plate Glass take this step and invest so much while adding these new jobs,” he said. “This is great news for our community, and I want to thank our local and state economic development officials for helping to make this possible.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said LPG has been a long-time corporate citizen in the city’s advanced manufacturing sector.

“With the addition of a new facility with state-of-the-art capabilities, I am confident that LPG has strategically aligned itself for great future success,” Mayor Fischer said in a statement congratulating the company. “With its roots in Louisville dating back to 1911, we are thrilled that LPG continues to expand and grow its workforce where it first began.”

To encourage LPG’s investment and job growth in the community, Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in December 2015 preliminarily approved the company for up to $650,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, LPG can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on LPG, visit www.louisvilleplateglass.com.

A detailed community profile for Louisville can be viewed at www.bit.ly/LouisvilleJeffersonCo.

Senator Webb testifies before committee on bicycle safety

Plans to prefile bicycle safety bill for 2017 Session

FRANKFORT, KY (Aug. 2, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testified Tuesday before the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation on making roadways safer for bicyclists and vehicular traffic.

Bicycle use is on the rise for transportation, recreation, health and fitness and accommodation in sharing the road safely is becoming more of a transportation priority.

From a tourism and economic development standpoint, and as part of the Trail Town initiative, the rise in the number of cyclists demand attention.

During the 2016 Legislative Session, Webb filed Senate Bill 80, to educate road users and enhance safety for sharing the road with cyclists. The measure would require cyclists to travel on the right side of the highway, travel on the shoulder of the highway, and requiring motorists to allow a distance of three feet when passing a cyclist with the ability to cross the double yellow line when passing a bicycle if safe, to ensure the three feet safe zone.

SB 80, which had the support of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission, passed the full Senate, but was not called for a vote in a House committee.

“I am pleased that Chairman Hubie Collins held a meeting to discuss Senate Bill 80 and bicycle safety,” Webb said. “I am encouraged that we are taking the time during the interim to discuss this important safety issue. I will take the dialogue from the meeting and use it as I work on a bicycle safety bill to prefile for the 2017 Legislative Session.”

Tourism officials in east Kentucky were present, along with urban cyclists, and the Mayor of Prestonsburg Les Stapleton. Dr. Dixie Moore of Lexington, Lynn Soporowski, coordinator of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program of the Transportation Cabinet, and Raceland Police Chief Don Sammons provided testimony in support.

“I was honored to have Chief Sammons at the table supporting legislative efforts for transportation, recreation, tourism, health and road education,” Webb said. “He truly represented Raceland well as he spoke about the cycling efforts in Raceland and how the community and students came together on the initiative.”

Chief Sammons has been the driver of several related initiatives with his vision of a cycle friendly region.

“I, like Chief Sammons give credit to the Ashland Cyclist Enthusiasts for their input, ideas and education on these issues,” she added. “I look forward to working with area cyclists on future bicycle safety legislation for the upcoming legislative session.”

Senator Webb represents the 18^th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

Netherlands-Based Eurotrol to create 10 to 15 jobs in Elizabethtown

Medical quality-control products supplier selects Hardin County for distribution center

FRANKFORT, KY (July 14, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Eurotrol, a Netherlands-based supplier of medical quality-control products, plans to build a state-of-the-art distribution center in Elizabethtown that will initially create 10 to 15 full-time jobs.

“Healthcare as an industry continues to gain momentum across the Commonwealth, and innovative companies like Eurotrol are the primary reason for that growth,” said Gov. Bevin. “This company’s sole purpose is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare services. That’s a mission we can all appreciate and support. Elizabethtown will make a great fit for Eurotrol as it provides an abundance of logistical advantages. We look forward to assisting Eurotrol here in Kentucky to help ensure their continued success for many years to come.”

Eurotrol will build a 10,000-square-foot facility in the T.J. Patterson Industrial Park on North Black Branch Road in Elizabethtown. Company leaders expect to break ground late this year and anticipate expansions in the future. The facility will serve as the Eurotrol’s principle distribution hub for North, Central and South America, receiving and shipping equipment that ensures the accuracy and precision of laboratory instruments used to test patients’ blood.

Company leaders cited Elizabethtown’s central location and access to the UPS Worldport hub in Louisville as deciding factors in choosing the location. For Eurotrol, efficient and timely shipping is essential for its sensitive products.

“This investment in distribution infrastructure puts Eurotrol in a strong position to take on larger manufacturing commitments and, at the same time, more effectively distribute our products to customers worldwide,” said Bart Maas, the company’s president and owner. “In addition, this will increase the quality of healthcare.”

Dr. Anton Maas, a clinical chemist in Netherlands, founded Eurotrol in 1988. Currently, Eurotrol has developed more than 300 products, many of which are one-of-a-kind, that cover a wide range of medical tests. Its products are used primarily by hospital clinical laboratories and point-of-care sites. The company supplies all major European countries, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada and other nations.

Sen. Dennis Parrett, of Elizabethtown, said Eurotrol will be a great fit with the community’s skilled workforce.

“I join the Hardin County community in welcoming Eurotrol to Elizabethtown,” Sen. Parrett said. “Our community stands ready to fill the job needs with dedicated and skilled workers. We appreciate Eurotrol’s investment in our community and look forward to a long, profitable relationship.”

Rep. Jim DuPlessis, of Elizabethtown, congratulated the company and said the new facility will contribute to the area’s economy.

“The addition of Eurotrol in Elizabethtown is very exciting for our community and our families,” he said. “Eurotrol is a leader in the healthcare industry and will bring an array of employment opportunities to our region. This type of economic growth is paramount to the success of our community, and our Commonwealth.”

Elizabethtown Mayor Edna Berger welcomed the company to the city.

“This is wonderful news for our city,” Mayor Berger said. “We wholeheartedly welcome Eurotrol to our community and look forward to celebrating with them as they break ground.”

Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry Berry said companies like Eurotrol are essential to the growth of a strong local economy.

“Establishment of Eurotrol’s operations in our community is a welcomed addition to our industrial and manufacturing family,” he said. “Attracting and keeping growing companies is essential to a community’s economic development, and a qualified and dependable workforce is the key to successful employers. The marriage of our strong workforce with a growing company like Eurotrol is an excellent match for both them and our community.”

For more information on Eurotrol, visit www.Eurotrol.com.

A detailed community profile for Elizabethtown (Hardin County) can be viewed here.

Gov. Bevin, More Than A Bakery execs break ground on 310-job facility in Versailles

Cookie, cracker producer to invest $57.1 million in Woodford County

FRANKFORT, KY (July 11, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today joined local officials and representatives from More Than A Bakery LLC., an extension of a century-old family business based in Indiana, to break ground on a 310-employee facility in Versailles.

More Than A Bakery, affiliated with Richmond Baking Co., plans to invest about $57.1 million in its new operation. The bakery will produce cookies, crackers and other baked goods by contract for major food brands and retailers.

“Today is a significant day for More Than A Bakery and the people of Woodford County,” said Gov. Bevin. “The promise of 310 jobs gives us reason to celebrate. The company’s significant investment in the local economy makes this groundbreaking event all the sweeter. We appreciate the determination and growth of multi-generational family companies like Richmond Baking and wish the company many years of continued success.”

Construction of More Than A Bakery’s 250,000- to 300,000-square-foot building at Big Sink Road and Fieldview Drive in Versailles will begin in mid-August and company leaders expect the facility to open by the end of 2017. The plant will locate on more than 100 acres to allow for future expansion. More Than A Bakery represents Richmond Baking’s third world-class bakery and distribution operation.

“Our family members are very excited about this new facility in Woodford County. This bakery will allow us to expand our capacity, serve our customers and create a very unique work experience for the citizens of this region. We plan to be a good neighbor in this area for quite a long time,” said Bill Quigg, president of Richmond Baking.

The Quigg family purchased a neighborhood bakery in Richmond, Ind. in 1902 which produced cookies, breads and cakes. The bakery traces its beginnings back to 1855 with the opening of David Hoerner’s bakery. The Quiggs grew the company nationally adding operations in Richmond, Ind. and Alma, Ga. employing nearly 350 workers.

Throughout the decades, the company gained expertise in breading systems, dessert crumbs, ice-cream inclusions, contract baking and packaging services. Richmond Baking’s customers include Fortune 100 food brands, grocery and convenience store chains, school cafeterias and national food-service companies.

Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, welcomed More than A Bakery and said he looks forward to building a relationship with the company.

“I join the Woodford County community in welcoming More Than A Bakery to Versailles,” Sen. Carroll said. “Our community stands ready to fill the more than 300 anticipated jobs with dedicated and skilled workers and we appreciate the investment in our community. We welcome this growth and look forward to a long and profitable relationship.”

Rep. James Kay, of Versailles, said the arrival of More Than A Bakery showcases the region’s ability to support business.

“This is a great day for Versailles and all of Woodford County and is further proof that we have everything a business needs to thrive in today’s economy,” Rep. Kay said. “We have a workforce and quality of life that are second to none, and we have local and state leaders who are committed to working together to help businesses like More Than A Bakery succeed. On behalf of the great people I represent, I want to thank the Quiggs and the More Than A Bakery family for making our community their new home. We are proud to welcome them here and look forward to a great partnership for generations to come.”

Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott described today’s event as a “high point” in the community’s effort to boost economic development.

“This is a great day for Versailles and all of Woodford County, and will be long-remembered as a high point in our ongoing efforts to increase economic development,” Mayor Traugott said. “This company is a perfect match for our community, because we are both committed to doing things the right way; we value our workforce; and we are always striving to be the best. I’m proud to welcome them here and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle expressed his gratitude for the project and said it took a team effort.

“Today is a blessed day for Woodford County and its citizens. We are so grateful and have many people to thank who made this day possible,” Judge Coyle said. “First and foremost, we would like to thank Mr. Bill Quigg and his More Than A Bakery family. Mr. Quigg informs us over 40 communities were visited during the site selection process before Versailles was chosen to locate its new operations. We also want to recognize Gov. Matt Bevin and the Cabinet for Economic Development for their hard work. And lastly, our own Woodford Economic Development Authority, who worked nearly two years hosting and presenting our community to this new industry. Thank you and welcome More Than A Bakery to our corporate family!”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in February preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $8 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, KEDFA approved More Than A Bakery for up to $700,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

More Than A Bakery can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on More Than A Bakery, visit www.MoreThanABakery.com and for Richmond Baking Company, visit www.RichmondBaking.com.

A detailed community profile for Versailles (Woodford County) can be viewed at www.bit.ly/WoodfordCoKy.

Ervin Cable Construction to expand Union County headquarters

Telecom construction company to create 20 jobs with $511,000 investment

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 8, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Ervin Cable Construction LLC, a telecom construction company, will expand its headquarters in Sturgis with a $511,000 investment, a project expected to create 20 full-time jobs.

“Ervin Cable is a great example of what it means to be a Kentucky-based business,” said Gov. Bevin. “For more than 35 years, Ervin Cable has provided quality construction and engineering services to residents in Kentucky and surrounding states. This expansion, paired with the growth of fiber-optic internet services, will help provide a bright future for the region. Congratulations to both Ervin Cable and Union County for this investment toward their continued partnership.”

Ervin Cable President Brad Ervin said the company will continue working to improve the region’s business climate and develop the local workforce.

“The latest expansion is expected to add 20 new positions and a 12,000 square foot facility that will house the corporate safety department, training grounds and additional warehouse space,” he said. “We are lucky to have a state that supports the entrepreneurial spirit that our company thrives on.”

Currently, the company employs 66 workers in administrative, accounting and customer service positions. The new jobs and additional space will prepare Ervin Cable for anticipated growth in fiber-related services.

Founded in 1980 in Sturgis by brothers Gary, Tim and Robert Ervin, the company began as a small construction operation providing cable TV design and aerial and underground construction work, primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee. Dycom Industries Inc. purchased it in 1999, allowing Ervin Cable to provide a wider variety of services throughout the Central, Eastern and Southeastern U.S.

The company has now built or upgraded more than 15,000 miles of utilities in recent years in addition to working engineering projects at 188 locations across 27 states. Its specialties include services for telephone, electric, gas and community antenna TV.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson, said his personal acquaintanceship with the Ervin brothers assures him the company will do well going forward.

“Having known this family and this company for 30-plus years, I am particularly proud of the success of Ervin Cable Construction,” Sen. Ridley said. “I am also pleased this expansion will allow them to provide even more jobs in Union County. This company has been a good corporate friend to Union County for more than three decades and I wish it continued growth and prosperity.”

Rep. Suzanne Miles, of Owensboro, thanked the company for its commitment to the community.

“Ervin Cable continues to be a shining star of Union County,” Rep. Miles said. “We all appreciate their love for the people of our area and the opportunity to bring more great jobs to our region. Thanks to the Ervin family for their faith and commitment to invest in Kentucky.”

Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins said Ervin Cable’s presence has a positive impact on more than just Union County.

“I am always pleased to hear of companies expanding. Ervin Cable Construction is a vital part of not only Union County but of the entire region,” Judge Jenkins said. “As a result of the expansion more people in the area will have the chance to go to work. The addition of new jobs is always welcomed and exciting news.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in June preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $200,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, Ervin Cable can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Ervin Cable, visit www.ErvinCable.com.

A detailed community profile for Union County can be viewed at www.bit.ly/UnionCountyKY.

Brianna Taylor Act signed by governor

Parrett’s legislation will strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers

FRANKFORT (June 27, 2016) – In 2014, 9,967 people – or one person every 53 minutes — died and 290,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes across the country. From 2003-2012, 2,041 people died in DUI-related accidents in Kentucky.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, talks about Senate Bill 56, which aims to keep more DUI offenders off the roadways, and its proposed impact with Gov. Matt Bevin. Tonya and David Taylor, members of the Hinkel family and Lisa Thomas Parrett joined Sen. Parrett and Gov. Bevin at the ceremonial bill signing.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, joined Governor Matt Bevin today for the ceremonial bill signing of the Brianna Taylor Act, intended to reduce those statistics. The legislation, Senate Bill 56, named for the Elizabethtown teenager whose name it bears, aims to keep more DUI offenders off Kentucky roads.

Joining Parrett at the bill signing were Tonya and David Taylor, who have worked with the senator on this legislation for the past two years. Their daughter, Brianna, a 17-year-old who had just graduated high school, was returning home from a fishing outing with a friend when she involved in the accident that took her life. The other driver was a repeat DUI offender.

Also present at the signing were family members of Lexington attorney Mark Hinkel, who was killed last year during the Horsey Hundred cycling event in Scott County.

“This bill cannot erase the pain suffered by the Taylors, the Hinkels and others who have lost a loved one in a DUI accident, but it may stop others from enduring the same heartache,” said Parrett. “Our goal is to make the roadways safer for other drivers and hopefully reduce the number of such tragedies.”

Parrett’s bill broadens the window that allows for stronger penalties for habitual drunk drivers. It expands what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years.

In Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony. By increasing the look back window, DUI convictions remain on a person’s record longer, which allows that behavior to be considered during sentencing. The bill also expands the quarterly reporting window of pending DUI cases to 180 days from 90 days.

“The first DUI can be a mistake,” Parrett said repeatedly during the 2016 Legislative Session in testimony before Senate and House hearings on Senate Bill 56. However, he added that subsequent DUIs couldn’t be viewed in the same light. “The second one is not a mistake. The third, fourth and the fifth are big problems – big problems that need to be dealt with.”

Alcohol was a factor in nearly a fifth of Kentucky’s traffic fatalities last year. That is a number that Parrett hopes will decrease now that SB 56 is law in Kentucky.

“I wish that no other parent or family would have to experience what the Taylors and Hinkels have suffered,” said Parrett. “My intent when I first filed this legislation was to see the statistics reduced. With fewer repeat DUI offenders behind the wheel, our roads will be safer.”

Sen. McGarvey appointed by governor to Kentucky-led Council on Criminal Justice Reform

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 22, 2016) – Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, was appointed today to the newly-formed Criminal Justice Policy Assessment Council.

Gov. Matt Bevin announced the 23-member panel is made up of lawmakers, advocates and policy leaders. The panel is charged with seeking expert advice and studying data-driven evidence over the next six months to make recommended reforms for the 2017 General Assembly.

“I am honored to work on this council to reform Kentucky’s penal code to make it more fair and just,” said Senator McGarvey, a Louisville attorney. “We took a positive step forward in the last legislative session with the passage of an expungement policy for low level felony offenders. However, there is still much work to be done to reform our justice system. I am ready to get to work to do a comprehensive study that will allow us to make recommendations when the General Assembly convenes in 2017.”

Making the announcement in the Capitol Rotunda, the governor said, “From the very beginning, America has been a land of second chances. Even so, many in our criminal justice system are not given a path forward to become productive members of society after they have served their time. I believe in the importance of supporting basic human dignity. When we hold individuals fully accountable for their actions while treating them with respect in the process, all of society benefits. I am excited today to announce the formation of the Criminal Justice Policy Assessment Council. Their purpose is to carefully study and then suggest actionable policy solutions for improving our criminal justice system.”

Senator McGarvey said some areas that the council will need to address include:

reforms enacted in recent years, including laws that increased substance abuse treatment in prisons, strengthened pretrial release policies, and modified sentences for certain drug offenses;
the costs of criminal justice, particularly for non-violent crimes;
the effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentences;
reforms that build on the 2016 felony expungement legislation;
problems leading to incarceration such as drug addiction and mental illness; and
reforms for dealing with repeat offenders, workforce re-entry and other issues.

Justice and Public Safety Secretary John Tilley will lead the council, and Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton will serve as special advisor to the committee and liaison to the governor.

“While we have made great strides, Kentucky can get smarter on crime while remaining tough on criminals,” Secretary Tilley said. “By using data-driven policy and clear evidence, we can cut re-offense rates, improve reentry, increase drug treatment and treat mental illness – all while maintaining, and even bettering public safety.”

Members of the Council include:

Chairman John Tilley, Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee
Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
Derrick Ramsey, Secretary of the Labor Cabinet
John Schickel, R-Union
Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville
Denny Butler, R-Louisville
Chris Harris, D-Forest Hills
Allen Brenzel, Department of Behavioral Health, Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Judge David A. Tapp, 28th Judicial Circuit Court, Division 1
Judge-Executive Tommy Turner, LaRue County
Amy Milliken, Warren County Attorney
Courtney Baxter, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Oldham, Henry, Trimble counties
Rick Sanders, Kentucky State Police Commissioner
Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate, Department of Public Advocacy
Russell Coleman, Spokesman for Kentucky Smart on Crime
Tom Jensen, Attorney, retired Judge and former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee
Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United
Jason Woosley, Grayson County Jailer
Bob Russell, Retired Senior Minister of Southeast Christian Church
Bishop William Medley, Diocese of Owensboro
Dave Adkisson, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Justice Daniel J. Venters, Supreme Court of Kentucky, 3rd District

‘Hair braiding’ bill gets governor’s signature

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 21, 2016) –Kentucky has joined 16 other states that do not require licenses through the Board of Cosmetology to practice hair braiding.

Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, (behind the governor to the right) was joined by some hair braiders on Tuesday for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 269, which will remove barriers for practicing hair braiding.

Senate Bill 269, sponsored by Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, that removes obstacles preventing hair braiders from practicing their trade and even opening businesses of their own was signed into law today by Governor Matt Bevin.

“This is a good piece of legislation that will have a big impact on the lives of a number of individuals who practice this art,” said Clark. “It repeals regulations on natural hair braiders.”

SB 269 revokes the requirement that natural hair braiders obtain a cosmology license. Hair braiding is a time-tested practice with deep roots in African cultural heritage. Natural hair braiding, as the name applies, uses no dyes or chemicals. It involves intricately twisting, pulling, shaping, and braiding hair.

Licensure was once imposed only on professionals like doctors and lawyers at a time when less than 5 percent of Americans needed a government license to work in the early 1950s. Today, more than 30 percent of workers need government-issued licenses to do their trade. Across the nation, state governments have enacted policies that have made it illegal for braiders to make money from the skill unless they have first spent thousands of dollars on government-mandated cosmetology licenses and training. Such training does not include training in braiding.

“I suspect that licensure was used to protect established businesses from competition and not the often-touted claims of promoting public health and safety,” said Senator Clark. “Research has demonstrated that occupational licensing laws, such as those governing natural hair braiders, create artificial and unnecessary barriers to entry for entrepreneurs seeking to take their first step on the economic ladder. The right to earn an honest living is a central part of our nation’s promise of opportunity.”

Attorney General Beshear provides $700,000 to Recovery Kentucky

Funding to support 17 Recovery facilities across the state in fighting drug addiction

HENDERSON, Ky. (June 8, 2016) – Attorney General Andy Beshear today joined state and local leaders at Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor (WARM) to present Recovery Kentucky $700,000 to support substance abuse treatment for men and women at its facilities statewide.

A core mission of the Office of the Attorney General is to address Kentucky’s drug epidemic by supporting recovery efforts by organizations like Recovery Kentucky.

“I am pleased and honored to be able to announce that the Recovery Kentucky and other deserving agencies throughout the Commonwealth will soon be receiving proceeds from a recent court settlement,” Beshear said. “Recovery Kentucky was chosen because of its proven track record of putting men and women afflicted with addiction on the road to recovery.”

Recovery Kentucky is a residential substance abuse and addiction recovery program with at least one men’s and women’s facility in each congressional district of the state. Each facility can house up to 100 clients in a modern, safe and sober environment. The program has men’s facilities in Campbellsville, Erlanger, Knott County, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Owensboro and Paducah, and women’s facilities in Evarts, Florence, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Lexington, Louisville and Richmond.

Recovery Kentucky employs peer-based recovery methods and was named “A Model That Works” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Presently, there are 15 Recovery Kentucky centers with another three facilities under construction in Bowling Green (late June 2016), Grayson (September 2016), and Somerset (December 2017).

“We are indeed grateful to General Beshear, for his designation of the respective Recovery Kentucky programs, as recipients of a portion of the proceeds from the recent court settlement,” said Dale Sights, president and CEO of Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor. “In view of the increasing social problem of substance abuse, and Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor’s well documented success, there couldn’t be a more responsible allocation of the funds.”

In the recently passed state budget, lawmakers appropriated funds recovered from the Purdue Pharma case to 15 different recovery facilities and drug treatment centers recommended by the Attorney General that provide a variety of services throughout the Commonwealth.

“I commend AG Beshear, WARM and Recovery Kentucky for recognizing the importance of treating abuse and addiction,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “This grant will help many of our citizens to overcome a deadly disease that keeps them from being contributing and productive citizens in our communities.”

“The No. 1 health crisis we keep seeing and hearing about in Kentucky is drug addiction and its impact on our young people,” said Rep. David Watkins, of Henderson. “Supporting treatment programs like Recovery Kentucky is a key part of our effort to fight the power and persistence of drugs on our streets and in our schools. Thanks to the work of Attorney General Beshear, this money is available to address and problems of substance abuse and addiction right here in our community.”

Beshear said substance abuse is Kentucky’s most overwhelming, pervasive problem. He said public officials must support proven and effective programs like Recovery Kentucky if the state wants to end substance abuse and assist Kentucky families.

Kentucky Housing Corporation helps fund aspects of Recovery Kentucky. The agency will distribute the funding Beshear presented today to the 15 recovery centers across the state, including the original model programs The Healing Place men’s and women’s programs in Louisville and the Hope Center men’s and women’s program in Lexington. Funding will also be allocated to the two centers in Bowling Green and Grayson that are slated for completion by the end of the year.

“Our network of Recovery Kentucky programs is helping Kentuckians suffering from addiction to regain sobriety, reunite families and to become self-sufficient productive citizens,” said Mike Townsend, Recovery Kentucky administrator, Kentucky Housing Corporation.

Attorney General Beshear provides $400,000 to Ramey-Estep recovery program

Ramey-Estep one of 15 facilities statewide supported by AG pharma settlement dollars

ASHLAND, Ky. (June 7, 2016) – Attorney General Andy Beshear today joined state and local leaders to present Ramey-Estep recovery center $400,000 to support treatment for adolescents suffering from substance abuse and addiction.

A core mission of the Office of the Attorney General is to address Kentucky’s drug epidemic by supporting recovery efforts by organizations like Ramey-Estep.

“I am pleased and honored to be able to announce that the Ramey-Estep and other deserving agencies throughout the Commonwealth will soon be receiving proceeds from a recent court settlement,” Beshear said. “Ramey-Estep was chosen because of its proven track record of pulling children out of the grip of abuse and addiction and putting them on a path to success.”

Ramey-Estep provides high-quality substance abuse and behavioral health services for youth in the northeastern Kentucky area. Its residential program helps Kentuckians age 12-18 in a therapeutic setting that incorporates consistent structure, supportive relationships and proven evidence-based interventions to help children recover from addiction.

The residential treatment home is located on 216 wooded acres in the city of Rush, and offers clients six state-of-the-art cottages designed to mimic a safe homelike environment. Ramey-Estep also maintains an on-campus high school to ensure children continue their education while in treatment.

In addition to residential treatment, Ramey-Estep offers foster care and outpatient services. In 2014 Ramey-Estep added “Re-Group” outpatient services to their continuum of care. Re-Group provides in home, in school and office based services to children and families seeking help.

Ramey-Estep is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and is licensed by the state as a child caring and child placing agency, licensed behavioral health services organization, alcohol and other drug entity.

In the recently passed state budget, lawmakers appropriated funds recovered from the Purdue Pharma case to 15 different recovery facilities and drug treatment centers that were specifically recommended by the Attorney General that provide a variety of services throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Ramey-Estep youth treatment model is a worthy recipient of settlement dollars in our fight against addiction,” said Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson. “I appreciate the ability to work with the Attorney General in the litigation against Purdue Pharma, by keeping me informed and allowing me to submit information to his staff. On behalf of the youth these monies will serve, I thank my colleagues in the General Assembly for the support in appropriating these funds for utilization in northeast Kentucky.”

Beshear said substance abuse is Kentucky’s most overwhelming, pervasive problem. He said public officials must support proven and effective programs like Ramey-Estep if the state wants to end substance abuse and assist Kentucky families.

“On behalf of Ramey-Estep, the board of directors, all our staff, and the children and families we serve I want to thank the Attorney General for this grant,” said Ramey-Estep Executive Director Jay Johnson. “Ramey’s board of directors has always been clear it wants the programs we offer to be exceptional. The money from this grant will go a long way to helping us continue to meet that expectation.”

The Ashland Daily Independent reported on Beshear’s action. To read the report, click here.

Sexual assault kit backlog being pared down, lawmakers told

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 6, 2016) – Work to eliminate a backlog of over 3,000 untested sexual assault kits at the Kentucky State Police crime lab has begun, with 299 of the kits mailed out for testing last week.

A $1.9 million grant from the District Attorney of New York or DANY will cover the cost to test the entire backlog of 3,091 rape kits, plus some, at the cost of $624 per kit, with approximately 299 of the kits sent out for testing each month, KSP Central Forensic Laboratory Manager Laura Sudkamp today told the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary.

Sorenson Forensics in Utah is under contract to test the backlogged kits, Sudkamp said. Results from the kits mailed out in May are expected within 60 days, she said.

Legislation pushing for a faster turnaround time on sexual assault testing kits was approved by the 2016 General Assembly with the passage of Senate Bill 63, which is now in effect. Sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, SB 63 aims to reduce the turnaround time on testing of kits to an average of 90 days by 2018 and 60 days by July 2020, if adequate funds are available. The current turnaround time averages eight months, officials say.

SB 63 also requires that all currently untested kits be submitted to the KSP Forensic lab for testing by Jan. 1, 2017, and requires law enforcement agencies receiving Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program (KLEFP) training funds to have a process in place that notifies sexual assault victims of the testing status of their kit.

Sudkamp said a committee culled from a Sexual Assault Evidence Task Force established under the DANY grant is developing a pilot policy for victim notification “that will be utilized with the DANY kits.”

Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, clarified that victim notification under SB 63 must be in the interest of the investigation. The bill allows notification to be delayed, for example, until a suspect is apprehended by police or until a Commonwealth’s Attorney consents to notification. Sudkamp said those qualifiers will be part of any final policy.

At the same time, the KSP Forensic lab is adding forensic biologists and increasing its supervisory staff to beef up testing of new kits and address lab testing in three key areas: crimes against persons (including violent crimes), property crime and serology screening—or screening of blood serum and other body fluids in relation to a crime scene.

“Right now we are actively starting to work more cases than we get in,” said Sudkamp.

Praising SB 63 and its progress at the meeting was Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, who has worked as an advocate for domestic violence victims.

“This is going to affect so many lives. Over 3,000 victims are being given a chance at justice, and I think that’s really great,” said Jenkins.

El Toro cuts ribbon on new HQ in Louisville, plans 60 new jobs

AdTech company’s $2.1 million investment hopes to help make city a tech hub

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin congratulated executives from El Toro Internet Marketing LLC today for officially opening the company’s new, larger headquarters, a $2.1 million project creating space for 60 new jobs.

“We are delighted to support El Toro’s continued presence and growth in Louisville,” said Gov. Bevin. “Kentucky offers many advantages for tech companies and El Toro is a great example of a company that has recognized and capitalized on those advantages.”

Demand for El Toro’s services from commercial customers in the automotive, health care and higher education space, and anticipated growth in political advertising campaigns fueled the company’s search for a larger office. El Toro, which opened on Louisville’s Distillery Commons district three years ago, renovated new office space at 124 N. 1^st St. in the Whiskey Row neighborhood. The company currently employs 35 people. It expects to add the new jobs over the coming four years.

“There’s a whole concept of density that we’re seeing emerge in the Louisville tech community,” said Stacy Griggs, El Toro president and CEO. “We need density and we’re willing to help build it. My colleagues and I believe it’s vital to build a robust community of technology companies – to meet people, make introductions, make connections and discuss ideas. Higher density of tech companies makes this easier, that is why we chose to move downtown.”

“Our employees love being downtown. The energy and after-work entertainment are simply fantastic for our staff,” added David Stadler, vice president of ad operations and co-founder of El Toro.

El Toro helps advertisers target their audiences digitally by matching IP addresses to physical locations. This allows advertisers to aim messages at specific groups, such as college campuses, businesses and zip codes. Though political advertising made up less than 10 percent of El Toro’s 2015 business, the company is seeing a significant increase this year as it continues to distinguish itself as an indispensable campaign-trail service.

Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville, said El Toro’s recommitment to Louisville and to Kentucky bodes well for the tech industry.

“The presence of El Toro, a tech company working on an international scale, brings additional vibrancy to Louisville,” he said. “I believe the company’s move to 1^st Street and the new employees it will hire demonstrates the tech industry’s momentum here. As well, it shows Louisville offers the solutions, amenities and atmosphere to attract and grow high-tech firms.”

Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville, congratulated El Toro on opening its new headquarters.

“The tech industry represents an important and economically impactful part of the Louisville and our state’s business community,” he said. “The 60 new jobs El Toro plans to add here will provide a direct boost to the industry, and the company’s work in mentoring and guiding tech startups will pay dividends as well. I thank the El Toro team for choosing to expand in Louisville and welcome their new location with open arms.”

To encourage El Toro’s investment and job growth in Louisville, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in December preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, El Toro can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. The Kentucky Skills Network provides eligible companies with no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on El Toro, visit www.eltoro.com.

A detailed community profile for Louisville can be viewed here.

Pride Industries to create 10 jobs with expansion in Union County

Roofing and siding manufacturer will add equipment for new panel production line

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Pride Industries Inc., an architectural building products manufacturer and installer, will expand its Union County operation with a $150,000 investment that will create 10 full-time jobs.

“When a Kentucky based, family owned company decides to reinvest and diversify with new products, we will do everything in our power to ensure that growth occurs right here at home,” Gov. Bevin said. “The addition of Pride Industries’ new production line not only means new jobs for north western Kentucky, but establishes the company as a leading source for aluminum composite metal wall panels which are increasingly in demand. We extend our congratulations to Pride and Union County on this expansion and look forward to many more years of continued growth in the future.”

Pride’s decision to expand comes in response to the rise in popularity of aluminum composite metal (ACM) wall panels. The company plans to buy new equipment to begin an ACM panel production line. ACM panels offer a well-insulated, affordable alternative to insulated sandwich panels often used on commercial buildings.

“With the purchase of the CNT Motion Systems Table Router System, we intend to diversify our established product line by entering into the aluminum composite metal ACM wall panel and architectural metal accessories markets,” said company CEO Bart Pride. “We will provide a single source for fabrication and installation services that the growing markets in the region require. By turning product lead times from weeks into days, we will be able to more efficiently deliver an installed product in a schedule-driven industry.”

Family-owned Pride Industries established in north western Kentucky in 1978 as a commercial insulation company specializing in sprayed cellulose insulation. In 1984, the company created Ultra Seam, which started as a marketing group and grew into a nationally recognized architectural metal roofing brand. Currently, two other Ultra Seam manufacturers, based in North Carolina and California, fabricate ACM panels.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson, offered his congratulations to Pride Industries for its expansion.

“Our region welcomes the growth and the new business that will be generated, and stands ready with a skilled workforce to meet any future needs,” Sen. Ridley said. “Pride Industries has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to continuing that relationship to the benefit of the company, the community and the region.”

Rep. Suzanne Miles, of Owensboro, welcomed the company’s investment and new jobs.

“It’s great to see a local company adding jobs as it introduces a new product to its Union County facility,” she said. “I commend Pride Industries on its vision and congratulate it for following it through.”

Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins expressed gratitude for the new jobs coming to the community.

“I am very pleased that Pride Industries has chosen to expand at its location here in Union County,” Judge Jenkins said. “As a result, it will allow us to have more people from our area going to work. The addition of new jobs is always welcomed and exciting news.”

Donna Crooks, Kyndle interim president and vice president of economic development, said her organization takes pride in its role to help cater the new investment.

“It’s always an exciting time when an existing company expands and chooses to grow its business here. Pride Industries is a great example of that,” Crooks said. “Kyndle is proud to have had a hand in helping them with the expansion of their Union County operation resulting in capital investment and new job creation.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $100,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, Pride can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Pride Industries, visit www.PrideIndustriesInc.com.

A detailed community profile for Union County can be viewed here. For more information on Kyndle, visit www.kyndle.us.

Senator Webb to speak at National Rifle Association Convention in Louisville

Also to meet with a Member of Parliament from Australia to discuss gun ownership and hunting laws

FRANKFORT (May 13, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, will be a guest speaker at the National Rifle Association (NRA) Convention May 19 in Louisville and will meet with a Member of Parliament from Australia to discuss gun-related issues during the conference.

Senator Webb, who is the founder and a co-chair of the Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and is president of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus, will speak to the NRA and the NRA Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee (HWCC). She was invited to participate by HWCC Chairman Richard Childress.

As a longtime protector of a citizen’s Second Amendment rights, Senator Webb advocates for legislation that she deems important for Kentucky’s gun owners and for hunters and anglers across the state.

“We, as sportsmen and women, must stand united in order to protect our rights,” Senator Webb said. “I am proud that all my colleagues who are also sports enthusiasts support our cause because we believe it is the right thing to do not because of party affiliation.”

To Meet with Member of Victorian Parliament

Senator Webb is also excited to have the opportunity at the NRA conference to meet with Daniel Young, a member of the Parliament of Victoria in Australia.

As requested by Young, Senator Webb will discuss with him her work with the National Sportsmen’s Foundation and her advocacy work for hunters.

“It is always a positive experience to meet with other sportsmen across the nation or across the ocean to share our challenges and our triumphs,” said Senator Webb. “There is still so much we can share and learn from one another.”

Young was first elected to Parliament in 2014 as a member of the Legislative Council. His position is similar to a state senator. He is an avid duck hunter and recreational shooter. He also is a member of the Shooters and Fishers Party of Victoria, the political party organized nationally 20 years ago that works to protect the heritage and interests of outdoorsmen. One of the reasons Young sought public office was because of his concerns that his ability to duck hunt was being threatened by hunting and gun ownership laws.

“Firearm ownership and hunting will be under special scrutiny in the coming year in Victoria and Australia because of actions expected from the federal government,” said Senator Webb. “The government is expected to release findings from a review of the National Firearms Agreement, which brought about significant changes to gun ownership laws in 1996, and is expected to encourage states to legislate for further gun ownership restrictions,” explained Senator Webb. “In addition, the state of Victoria is expected to turn some significant land holdings into a public forest with policies that would prohibit hunting practices currently enjoyed there.”

The Daily Independent reported on Sen. Webb’s upcoming speech. To read the article, click here.

Sen. Parrett selected for subcommittee of national task force to help disabled individuals enter the workforce

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 4, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, has been selected to serve on a subcommittee of a national task force created by The Council of State Governments to help state policymakers remove employment barriers for people with disabilities.

CSG, in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures, organized the National Task Force on Workforce Development for People with Disabilities to help state leaders identify barriers to employment at the state level and provide them with policy recommendations to address those barriers.

The effort is funded by the State Exchange on Employment and Disability, or SEED, initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

The National Task Force on Workforce Development for People with Disabilities consists of four subcommittees: Career Readiness and Employability; Hiring; Retention and Re-entry; Entrepreneurship and Tax Incentives; and Technology, Transportation and Other Employment Supports.

Parrett serves on the Career Readiness and Employability Subcommittee.

The task force convened March 19-20 in Chicago and will meet in Washington D.C. later this spring. The policy recommendations will be unveiled at a policy academy during the 2016 CSG National Conference in Colonial Williamsburg, Va., Dec. 8-11.

The 2016 CSG president and chair—Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Nebraska Sen. Beau McCoy, respectively—serve as co-chairs of the national task force.

About 54 million Americans live with a disability. But the majority of adults with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed despite their ability, desire and willingness to work and contribute to the economy.

“This population has much to contribute in the workplace and in their communities,” said Elizabeth Whitehouse, the CSG director of education and workforce development. “The task force provides an opportunity for states to learn from each other and see the exciting and innovative policies and programs that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.”

Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is the nation’s only nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that serves all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy.

Kentucky Senate Democrats honor Teacher Appreciation Week

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 3, 2016) –The Kentucky Senate Democrats would like to thank all teachers and support staff for all their hard work and dedication to Kentucky’s children.

Kentucky State Senate honors the late Senator Georgia Powers with plaque

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today honored the late Senator Georgia Davis Powers by affixing a bronze plaque to her desk in the Senate chambers.

Earlier this session, the Senate adopted Senator Gerald A. Neal’s Senate Resolution 100 honoring Powers and calling for a bronze plaque to be placed on her desk. The plaque serves as a commemoration of her service to the Senate and the profound legacy of service, compassion, and courage she leaves behind.

Speakers who reflected on Senator Powers’ legacy included Senator Neal (D-Louisville), Senator and former Governor Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort), Senator Reggie Thomas (D-Lexington), and Senator Robin Webb (D-Grayson).

Powers was the first African American and the first woman to serve in the Kentucky Senate.

To view the commemorative ceremony and speeches on Kentucky Educational Television’s YouTube page, click here.

Nolin RECC in Elizabethtown presented Governor’s Safety and Health Award

Employees worked 500,000 hours without a lost time injury or illness in two years

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2016) – Kentucky Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited the Nolin RECC in Elizabethtown today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for its dedication toward workplace safety.

“Nolin RECC has now amassed 500,000 hours over two years without a lost time injury or illness,” Dep. Sec. Nemes said. “On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, I am privileged to congratulate all 98 employees on this significant achievement and wish to thank them for the priority that they place on maintaining a culture of safety.”

Right to left: Nolin RECC Compliance Coordinator, Randy Meredith; Nolin RECC President and CEO, Mickey Miller; Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary, Mike Nemes; Nolin RECC Vice President of System Operations, Vince Heuser; and Nolin RECC line technician, Nathan Yates.

Nolin RECC is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving electricity to about 34,000 members living in Hardin, LaRue and portions of seven surrounding counties.

“Our highest priority at Nolin RECC is to work safe so that we can all go home to our families at the end of each day,” said Mickey Miller, President and CEO of Nolin RECC. “When you work around 7,200 volts of energized electricity, safety has to be foremost. Holding regular safety meetings and training throughout the year helps us to maintain a safe work environment and mindset, and Nolin RECC and its employees are extremely proud to accept this award.”

Senator Dennis L. Parrett (D-Elizabethtown) offered his praise.

“Congratulations to the employees at Nolin RECC. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to safety allowed the company to achieve this milestone,” Parrett said. “All those who work at Nolin RECC should take pride in this award. I wish the company and all of the employees continued safety and an injury-free workplace.”

For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click here.

Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.

Brianna Taylor Act heads to Governor to become law

Senate Bill 56 will strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 29, 2016) – The Brianna Taylor Act expanding the “look back period” in habitual drunk driving convictions is headed to the governor to be signed into law.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, (right) was joined by David Taylor and Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, during testimony before a House committee. Taylor is the father of Brianna Taylor, the 17-year-old killed by a habitual DUI offender for whom the bill is named. Rep. Flood carried the bill in the House. Senate Bill 56, aka the Brianna Taylor Act, is headed to the governor’s desk. — Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, (right) was joined by David Taylor and Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, during testimony before a House committee. Taylor is the father of Brianna Taylor, the 17-year-old killed by a habitual DUI offender for whom the bill is named. Rep. Flood carried the bill in the House.

“I am glad to see this bill clear all the hurdles in the legislative process and now on the fast track to becoming law,” said Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, sponsor of Senate Bill 56. “I want to thank Brianna Taylor’s parents, David and Tonya Taylor, for bringing this issue to me and sticking with me for the past two years as we worked on gaining backing in the legislature to get this bill through the process. Their support and guidance has been constant and invaluable.”

Parrett’s bill, named for the Hardin County 17-year-old killed in 2014 by a habitual DUI offender, broadens the window that allows for stronger penalties for repeat drunk driver offenders. It increases what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years.

Parrett says that the first DUI can be a mistake, but he does not see subsequent DUIs in the same light. “The second one is not a mistake,” he explained. “The third, fourth and the fifth are big problems – big problems that need to be dealt with and that is the intent of this bill.”

SB 56 contains an emergency clause so that it will go into effect with the governor’s signature – eliminating a waiting period.

Alcohol was a factor in nearly a fifth of Kentucky’s traffic fatalities last year – a number that Parrett hopes this legislation will help decrease.

“I am happy that this bill is finally headed to the governor’s desk,” said Parrett. “We can never bring back Brianna or the other victims who have had the misfortunate to share the roadways with a drunk driver, but we can make the roads safer and perhaps prevent future tragedies.”

Joyful Heart Foundation applauds passage of Kentucky bill to implement comprehensive rape kit reform

NEW YORK (Mar. 28, 2016) – The Joyful Heart Foundation, a leader in the effort to provide cities and states with the resources they need to address their backlog of rape kits, today applauded the passage of Kentucky’s SB63, sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, which takes meaningful steps to address the backlog of untested rape kits in the state.

DNA evidence is an invaluable investigative tool. When tested, rape kit evidence can identify an unknown assailant, confirm the presence of a known suspect, affirm the survivor’s account of the attack, connect the suspect to other crime scenes, and exonerate the wrongly convicted. Yet too often the decision is made not to test these kits. Right now, there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in police and crime lab storage facilities across the country.

SB63 builds on the Kentucky State Auditor’s inventory of untested rape kits in the state – the most comprehensive review in the entire nation thus far – which uncovered more than 3,000 untested kits in custody.

Below is a statement from Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy & Advocacy for the Joyful Heart Foundation:

“The Joyful Heart Foundation is proud to stand with Senator Denise Harper Angel and our advocacy partners who fought for the passage of SB63, to provide survivors of sexual assault with the justice they deserve. There is no excuse for complacency on the processing of rape kit evidence – and we join experts in calling for the mandatory submission and testing of every rape kit booked into evidence and connected to a reported sexual assault.

“Every untested kit represents a missed opportunity to bring justice and healing to a survivor and increased safety to a community.

“We stand with every survivor who has taken the courageous step of reporting the crime to the police and endured an invasive examination in search of DNA evidence left behind by the attacker.

“Kentucky has now joined the growing number of states that have passed laws requiring sexual assault kit audits or some type of mandatory submission guidelines. These laws will expand what we know about the true extent of the number of untested rape kits and will result in thousands of cases for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute.

“They will result in long overdue justice.

“Joyful Heart will continue to advocate for federal funds to help states implement comprehensive reform, and stands ready to provide assistance to any community working to address its untested kit backlog.”

For background and further information on the rape kit backlog, go to: ENDTHEBACKLOG.org.

The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

Sen. Harper Angel’s Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 passes House

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 25, 2016) – Legislation, sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel, to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits was approved today on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“I am so pleased that we were able to get this very important piece of legislation through the legislative process,” said Harper Angel, D-Louisville. “This bill is about victims and survivors who have been waiting for justice, and we just told them they will wait no more.”

Under Senate Bill 63, known as the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016:

Each law enforcement agency will need to develop a written policy and procedure manual related to sexual assault kits;
All sexual assault kits shall be taken into custody from the collecting facility within five days;
All sexual assault kits shall be submitted to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Crime Lab within 30 days;
All sexual assault kits submitted to a law enforcement agency shall be tested;
Law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from destroying any sexual assault kits, and
All victims shall be notified of the progress and results of the testing.

The measure also requires the average completion date for assault kit testing not to exceed 90 days by July 1, 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 1, 2020.

Currently, it takes about eight months for a sexual assault kit to be tested once it is submitted to the lab. Harper Angel said that the time it takes to test these kits is too long.

SB 63 is in response to a legislative-ordered audit that found there are 3,090 untested sexual assault examination kits in Kentucky.

Harper Angel represents the 35^th senatorial district, which includes a portion of Jefferson County.

Brianna Taylor Act passes House

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 23, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, was present Wednesday as Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, introduced Senate Bill 56 on the floor of the House (shown in photo).

SB 56, named the Brianna Taylor Act for a Hardin County teenager killed by a drunk driver, expands the “look back period” in habitual drunk driving convictions.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Parrett, is headed back to the Senate for its agreement on a committee substitute added by the House.

“The sub does not change the intent of the bill,” said Parrett, D-Elizabethdown, sponsor of Senate Bill 56, adding that the bill should gain passage in the Senate and go to the Governor for his signature.

The News-Enterprise reported on the bill’s passage. To read the story, click here.

Senator Harper Angel’s PVA bill passes House

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 23, 2016) –Legislation, sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel, to clarify the language in KRS defining reasonable fee in the property valuation administrator (PVA) office and align the fee schedule with the Kentucky’s Open Records Act was approved today on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives.

“This language is in agreement with the language used in developing the original fee schedule in 1993 and codifies the earlier legislation,” said Harper Angel, D-Louisville, a former Jefferson County PVA. “I am glad to see this measure make it through the legislative process for the PVAs across the state.”

There would be no monetary changes resulting from Senate Bill 64.

SB 64 is headed to the Governor to be signed into law.

Harper Angel represents the 35^th Senate District, which includes a portion of Jefferson County.

Kentucky Senate and House recognize Tuskegee Airmen (1941-1949) on 75^th anniversary

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 22, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate and House of Representatives today adopted resolutions recognizing the 75^th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen (1941-49), America’s first black military airmen, considered at the time to be an experiment.

Frank Weaver (center), a member of the Tuskegee Airmen was on the Senate and House floors when each chamber recognized the country’s first black military airmen.

Accepting the challenges of the Jim Crow era, these men served as pilots, aircrews and ground support personnel in the military at a time when most people thought that blacks lacked the intelligence, skills, courage and patriotism to serve.

Approximately 1,000 cadets graduated from Tuskegee Army Airfield and received their commission and pilot wings. More than 17,000 were trained as ground support personnel. The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 1,200 missions for the 99^th, 100^th, 301^st and 302^nd Fighter Squadrons under the 12^th and 15^th Air Forces. In total, the 99^th Fighter Squadron and the 332 Fighter Group had over 112 aerial victories during WW II. Through their successful bomber escort missions, many bomber crews felt safe under their protection.

Upon orders from the Commander of the 15^th Air Force, the airmen painted the tails of their planes red, thus, the nickname “Red Tails” was coined. Bomber crews applied a more effusive label, the “Red Tail Angels.”

Despite fighting for freedom and justice for all, they returned to the U.S. to face continued racism and bigotry.

The term “Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen” or “DOTA” was adopted to include vetted personnel who trained or were stationed at Tuskegee Army Airfield and other designated unites or locations between 1941-49.

In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were recognized by President Bush and Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal for their outstanding service to help defeat the Axis powers and overcome racism.

Present in both chambers today for the adoption of the resolutions was Frank Weaver, a member of the DOTA.

The Senate approved Senate Resolution 188, sponsored by Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, and the House approved House Resolution 229, sponsored by Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville.

When the Senate and the House adjourned today, both chambers did so in honor of the 75^th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Big Rivers Electric Corporation-Wilson Station presented Governor’s Safety and Health Award

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 22, 2016) – Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey announced today that the 100 employees of Big Rivers Electric Corporation–Wilson Station have earned a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for their 1.7 million hours of work without a lost time injury. Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited the facility today to congratulate employees on behalf of Sec. Ramsey.

“The hardworking men and women of the Wilson Station have gone nearly nine years without a serious injury on the job,” Sec. Ramsey said of the Wilson Station’s 14^th award of this kind. “This coal-fired facility has generated over 29 million megawatt-hours during this same time period and it is only fitting that they are recognized for their efforts. On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, I’m proud to help them celebrate not only their hard work and dedication toward a safe workplace, but for all that they do to power the homes and businesses of Kentucky.”

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson) also offered his praise.

“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the employees at the Wilson Station,” Sen. Ridley said. “Their hard work, dedication and commitment to safety allowed the company to achieve this milestone, and they should all take pride in receiving this award.”

Based in Henderson, Ky., Big Rivers Electric Corporation is comprised of three cooperatives: Jackson Purchase Energy, Kenergy Corporation, and Meade County RECC. Together, they serve 114,000 members over 22 counties, including: Carlisle, Ballard, McCracken, Graves, Marshall, Livingston, Lyon, Crittenden, Caldwell, Union, Webster, Hopkins, Henderson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Daviess, Ohio, Hancock, Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hardin counties.

“The safety and health of our employees is the top priority in everything we do at Big Rivers,” said Bob Berry, President of Big Rivers Electric Corporation. “This distinguished award reflects the hard work and dedication of the Wilson Station employees and I applaud the leadership of IBEW Local 1701, as well as the employees and management who contributed to this remarkable achievement.”

“Working over 1.7 million man hours without a lost time incident is an incredible achievement for the Wilson Station employees,” Wilson Station plant manager Keith Scott said. “This celebration marks a milestone accomplishment that is part of a journey that dates back to 2007. This journey is not over today, as there will be more important safety milestones to come. I am very proud of this accomplishment and I am equally as proud of the employees who achieved it.”

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees. The Wilson Station employees have worked 3,207 days injury free. Overall, this is the Big Rivers Electric Corporation’s 40^th Governor’s Safety and Health Award.

For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click HERE.

Senator Clark recognizes refugees on floor of Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, today recognized refugees visiting the state Capitol on the Senate floor. In order to promote awareness of the refugee program, today was Refugee Day at the Capitol and Senator Clark was the opening speaker at a rally in the Rotunda earlier in the day.

Senator Perry Clark was the opening speaker at the Refugee Day at the Capitol. He also sponsored a resolution recognizing refugees in Kentucky that was later approved by the full Senate.

“A refugee, according to the Geneva Convention on Refugees, is a person who is outside their country of citizenship because they have well-founded grounds for fear of prosecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and who is unable to obtain sanctuary from their home country,” said Senator Clark, who sponsored Senate Resolution 205 recognizing Refugee Day.

More than 25,000 refugees have made Kentucky their new home over the last 10 years after fleeing persecution and violence in their homelands. Community and faith-based organizations in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Owensboro continue to welcome refugees arriving in Kentucky.

“The refugees come to Kentucky with the promise of freedom, hope and opportunity in a new country and become contributing members in our communities,” said Senator Clark. “These new Kentuckians are workers, students, business owners, parents, neighbors, and community leaders.

“Our refugees have escaped war, escaped persecution, have escaped torture,” said Senator Clark, noting the horrors of being a refugee and the losses and suffering they experience.

Refugees are able to become naturalized citizens and voters after living in the U.S. for five years.

Senator Clark said his wish for these men and women is the same as for all god’s children – “to have safe food, warm homes and peace.”

SR 205 unanimously cleared the Senate.

Bill advances to quicken sex assault exam kit testing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – The state Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan measure today to eliminate a backlog of sexual assault examination kits dating back to the 1970s.

Known as Senate Bill 63, it would establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of the kits, said Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville.

“During the 2015 legislative session, I sponsored Senate Joint Resolution Bill 20 which required all law enforcement agencies to report the number of untested assault kits to the Auditor of Public Accounts,” said Angel, who sponsored SB 63. “The resolution passed unanimously through both chambers and the audit revealed 3,090 untested kits. Throughout the 2015 interim, I held meetings with stakeholders from various law enforcement agencies and Senate Bill 63 is the result.”

Specifically, SB 63 would require Kentucky’s more than 300 police departments and 120 sheriff’s departments to pick up sexual assault kits from hospitals within five days’ notice from a hospital that the evidence is available, submit the kits to the state crime lab within 30 days, prohibit the destruction of any kits and notify victims of the progress and results of the tests.

The measure would also require the average completion date for kits tested not to exceed 90 days by July 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 2020. It currently takes about eight months for a kit to be tested once it has been submitted to the lab. The progress of the testing would be reported annually to the Legislative Research Commission and state auditor’s office.

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, said SB 63 was amended to provide the state crime lab relief from the testing deadlines if it does not receive additional tax dollars to cover the added work. He said the governor’s proposed budget includes $4.5 million needed to do the additional testing, but the General Assembly has yet to approve a budget.

“The objective is to make sure we do not have another backlog like this again,” Westerfield said of SB 63.

The measure now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate honors Superintendent Webb for receiving the 2016 F.L. Dupree Award

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today adopted Senator Johnny Ray Turner’s resolution honoring Floyd County Superintendent Dr. Henry Webb on being the 2016 recipient of the F.L. Dupree Award. Webb was presented the award during the Kentucky School Boards Association conference recently in Louisville.

Floyd County Superintendent Henry Webb (right) looked on as the Senate considered Senator Johnny Ray Turner’s resolution honoring Webb for receiving the 2016 F.L. Dupree Award.

“Henry is an individual who makes a difference in the lives of Floyd County’s students and is very deserving of this prestigious award. His leadership and dedication have proven that outstanding things can happen when great people work together,” said Turner, a retired educator of the Floyd County Schools.

The F.L. Dupree Outstanding Superintendent Award is co-sponsored by the Kentucky School Boards Association and the Dupree family. For 45 years the award has gone to a superintendent who has shown exemplary work in areas of school finance, facility management, student engagement, community involvement, and advocacy.

Webb has been an employee of the Floyd County School District since 1995 and has served as superintendent since 2007. Webb was lauded for his commitment to improving the lives of students in eastern Kentucky and for serving as an inspiration to so many Floyd Countians who have benefited from his vision and his desire to do “Whatever it takes” to improve the schools in his district.

Webb was also honored for taking Floyd County from 86^th to 12^th place in the state accountability system, for securing record amounts of grant funding for his district, and for pushing his district’s teachers to be involved in state and national opportunities that have helped Floyd County become a District of Distinction.

“Today I stood on the floor of the Senate to brag on the young man that is largely responsible for making the Floyd County School District a top district in the state,” Turner said. “As with any organization, a school system can only grow as much as its leader will allow and Henry sets high expectations for the Floyd County students, administrators, teachers and classified employees, and these expectations have enabled them to become a top school district in the state.”

“I am very proud of Henry and the Floyd County School System and wish them the best of luck in the future,” Turner added.

During consideration of Senate Resolution 202, Turner told his colleagues on the Senate floor that he knew early on that Henry was going to be very successful in whatever he did in life. Webb was the varsity point guard on Turner’s Turner’s 1988 and 1989 McDowell High School basketball teams. “His hard work and dedication on and off the court molded him into the person he is today. I am very proud of Henry and wish him luck in future endeavors.”

‘Hair braiding’ bill heads to Senate floor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2016) – Obstacles preventing hair braiders from practicing their trade and even opening businesses of their own today cleared the Senate Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee on its way to the Senate floor.

Senator Perry B. Clark was joined by Kine Gueye at the L&O Committee meeting to testify in support of Senate Bill 269, which would remove barriers for practicing hair braiding.

Senate Bill 269, sponsored by Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, exempts hair braiding, which is particularly popular among African-American and African immigrants, from being licensed by the Board of Cosmetology.

“This is good legislation,” said Senator Clark. “It simply removes barriers for individuals who want to practice hair braiding as a vocation.”

Hair braiding involves intricately twisting, pulling, shaping, and braiding hair and is often taught and passed down within families.

Currently, Kentucky law prevents hair braiders from working “outside the shadows,” requiring them to be licensed by a certified Board of Cosmetology. However, the group of braiders attending the committee meeting to show support and testify for Senate Bill 269 said they want to move out of the shadows. They want to open businesses and start paying taxes.

If the bill becomes law, Kentucky will join 16 other states that do not require licenses through the Board of Cosmetology to practice hair braiding.

SB 269 now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Sen. McGarvey’s legislation on death in line of duty passes committee

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2016) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today passed Senator Morgan McGarvey’s bill relating to death in the line of duty benefits. Senate Bill 203 would provide that the beneficiaries of a deceased member awaiting a decision regarding death as a result of an act in the line of duty shall still be eligible to receive death benefits.

If a final determination results in a finding of eligibility for in the line of duty benefits, then the benefits shall be recalculated. The bill would also provide that a spouse of a deceased member awaiting a decision regarding whether the death was as the result of a duty-related injury shall still be eligible to receive death benefits. If a final determination results in a finding of eligibility for duty-related benefits, then the benefits shall be recalculated.

SB 203 now moves to the floor of the Senate for further consideration. If SB 203 gains final approval, it would be retroactive to any matter pending before the Kentucky Retirement Systems or on appeal upon passage. Since there is an emergency clause on the bill, it would go into law with the governor’s signature.

Bill would make Bible literacy classes an elective

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2016) – Public school students would get the option to take Bible literacy classes under a measure that passed the state Senate today.

Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on her Bible literacy bill before the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 278 today cleared the Senate and goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration. — Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on her Bible literacy bill before the Senate Education Committee.

The measure, known as Senate Bill 278, would allow Bible literacy courses to be taught in public schools as a social studies elective. The bill would require that the “course provide students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy.”

SB 278 came to a floor vote after being unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee on March 10 after several senators spoke in favor of it.

“This bill would not have a religious connotation as much as a historical connotation,” bill sponsor Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Grayson, said while testifying before the committee. “As you know, I’ve practiced constitutional law about 30 years now … and I certainly feel like this bill passes constitutional muster on any neutrality issues that would arise.”

Webb added that she took a “Bible as literature” course when she attended East Carter High School.

Committee member Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, said he didn’t believe the U.S. Supreme Court intended to prevent all discussion of religion in public schools.

“I think we have reached a point … in our society where we have become afraid to talk about religion and faith in our schools,” he said. “I do think it is important and pertinent to talk about theology and talk about different religions and talk about the Bible. The Bible isn’t something we should run away from.”

Another committee member, Sen. Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, said he found a college course he took on western religions intellectually stimulating.

“I think this brings values and roundness to the educational experience,” he said of SB 278.

The measure now goes to the state House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senator Thomas’ legislation to remove barriers to breastfeeding is signed into law by Governor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2016) – Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, sponsored by Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, that removes barriers for breastfeeding was signed into law today by Governor Matt Bevin.

SCR 9 is about healthy babies, healthy moms, and healthy families – at no cost, said Senator Thomas.

“It removed impediments for mothers to breastfeed their children,” he said.

Ranking 42 out of 50 in breastfeeding rates with only 31 percent of our infants still breastfeeding at 6 months, Kentucky falls well below both the national baseline. Kentucky is also below the Healthy People 2020 goal to increase the proportion of infants who are ever breastfed to 82 percent.

Children fed mainly breastmilk for the first six months of life are 22 percent less likely to be overweight by age 14. With Kentucky ranking first in the nation for obsess high school students, according to the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson’s Trust for America’s Health Report. Research also shows that human milk and breastfeeding provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development while significantly decreasing the risk of a large number of acute and chronic diseases such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, allergies, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and childhood obesity.

There are also health benefits to the mother. Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the woman’s uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. It also also lowers her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that at least $3.6 billion in medical expenses could be saved each year if an increase of at least 50 percent of children breastfed for at least six months.

SCR 9 encourages all state agencies that administer programs providing maternal or child health services to provide information about breastfeeding to program participants, and to encourage and support program participants’ choices to breastfeed.

Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 clears Senate Judiciary Committee

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2016) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Senator Denise Harper Angel’s bill to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits.

Under Senate Bill 63, known as the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016:

Each law enforcement agency will need to develop a written policy and procedure manual related to sexual assault kits;
All sexual assault kits shall be taken into custody from the collecting facility within five days;
All sexual assault kits shall be submitted to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Crime Lab within 30 days;
All sexual assault kits submitted to a law enforcement agency shall be tested;
Law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from destroying any sexual assault kits, and
All victims shall be notified of the progress and results of the testing.

The measure also requires the average completion date for assault kit testing not to exceed 90 days by July 1, 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 1, 2020.

Currently, it takes about eight months for a sexual assault kit to be tested once it is submitted to the lab. Harper Angel said that the time it takes to test these kits is too long.

SB 63 is in response to a legislative-ordered audit that found there are 3,090 untested sexual assault examination kits in Kentucky.

SB 63 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Senator Webb’s Bible literacy course bill headed to Senate floor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2016) – Bible literacy as an elective social studies course could be offered in public schools in Kentucky — if the General Assembly approves Senator Robin Webb’s legislation that passed out of the Senate Education Committee today.

Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on Senate Bill 278 today in the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 278, sponsored by Webb, would require the Kentucky Board of Education to set up the administrative framework to establish an elective course on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, New Testament or a combination of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments.

Recalling a Bible literacy course from her own school days, Webb, D-Grayson, noted the historical significance of the Bible and the benefit of offering such a class.

“This course would not be offered in a religious context, but in an historical context,” Webb said. “The Bible is valuable in itself as a cornerstone of this country and its influence on our literary works and our culture. This class would not be to teach the Bible, but rather to teach about the Bible as it relates to history.”

SB 278 requires that the course provide students with knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy. It also permits students to use various translations of the Bible for the course.

The bill directs the Kentucky Board of Education to formulate the guidelines for the course.

Senator Webb represents the 18^th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

Democratic Floor Leader Jones meets with officials in Frankfort on Martin County water issues

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, today held a meeting in Frankfort on the serious and persistent water problems in Martin County.

Attending the meeting were Peter Goodman, Director of the Division of Water, Stephanie Bell and Aaron Greenwell with the Public Service Commission (PSC), William Haney and Joe Hammond with the Martin County Water District, Haley McCoy with the Environment and Energy Cabinet, and Martin County Magistrate Victor Slone.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, held a meeting today in Frankfort on the Martin County water issues.

Jones relayed all of the concerns and issues expressed by the Martin County residents who contacted him about the problems they experienced with the Martin County Water District. He provided the attendees with copies of all the photos and documentation that he received from concerned residents.

Jones was informed by officials from the PSC that a formal investigation into some of the issues raised by the citizens of Martin County is eminent.

“I have pledged to do what I can to help. My role is not to place blame, but to work with state officials to address and fix the problems,” Jones said. “We will look to determine if there are any state and/or federal funds available that might aid in making improvements to the water system.”

Due to the need for a specific and well developed plan to resolve the serious problems that face the Martin County Water District, the group determined there should be a public meeting moderated by officials from the Kentucky Division of Water held in Inez to hear from citizens concerning the ongoing water issues. Jones anticipates the PSC will have representatives available to attend the meeting.

The senator’s office is working to set up the public meeting in Martin County. Details will be announced once the meeting date and time are finalized.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray Jones sponsors job-training bill for unemployed miners

SB 303 would help unemployed coal miners get jobs while helping reduce low-income families’ power bills

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed legislation to stimulate eastern Kentucky’s economy by helping unemployed coal miners find jobs, while helping low income families reduce their power bills.

“Kentucky has lost thousands of coal jobs,” said Jones, the grandson of a coal miner. “Eastern Kentucky is the hardest hit region of the state. Every day in my hometown, I see the hardships created by these job losses. My region is hurting – families are leaving, businesses are suffering and schools are in crisis.”

Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, the primary co-sponsor of the bill said that more than 6,000 jobs in the coal industry were lost in 2015 alone.

“Since 2011, more than half of all Kentucky coal jobs have been eliminated and many of those layoffs are in eastern Kentucky,” he said. Adding support to his colleague’s statement, Turner added, “Many of us have family, friends and neighbors who once had good jobs with the coal industry, but are now unemployed and, unfortunately, do not have the skills to compete for the few jobs that are available. This is where we can help them.”

Senate Bill 303 proposes to help unemployed coal miners by making available the education and job retraining needed to reenter the workforce.

“The folks who lost their jobs because of the downturn in the coal industry do not want the government to take care of them,” said Jones. “They just want to be able to find work that will allow them to support their families.”

The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet could capitalize on state and federal workforce development funds to develop and implement the newly developed jobs programs. Among the funding sources is the Reclaim Act of 2016, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, which is to provide $1 billion in funding to assist coal communities hit the hardest by the downturn of the coal industry through economic development and job creation.

SB 303 also gives preference points to a coal miner’s score for classified employment positions within state government to help miners reenter the workforce.

Additionally, SB 303 provides specialized training in energy auditing and energy efficiency contracting certification for displaced coal miners through Kentucky Community Technical College System (KCTCS). That training would then be utilized in making home energy-efficiency improvements.

SB 303 diverts 1% of the coal severance tax earmarked for the General Fund to finance the specialized energy job training and the subsidies and low-interest loans for home energy-efficiency improvements.

“This would allow us to offer new job opportunities to replace lost coal mining jobs, while providing a boost to the housing construction market,” said Jones. “This measure would assist low-income households, which often receive low-income heating assistance, to better control their energy usage and costs. It is a long term solution for both of these problems.”

“The people who can least afford higher energy costs are the ones paying them,” he explained. “The low-income and very low-income households are the homes with the poorest energy efficiency. Energy-efficiency improvements will help those on fixed incomes to spend less on utility bills.”

The decline in coal as an energy source over the past few years has resulted in skyrocketing power bills. Jones said SB 303 would help thousands of families – those hit the hardest by the downturn in the coal industry — with reductions to their power bills.

“It is time for us to get the economic engine of eastern Kentucky working again by giving them the tools to help themselves,” said Jones. “This legislation is a step in the right direction.”

Senator Ridley and Reps. Watkins and Miles honor Judge Executive Hugh McCormick

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2016) – Senator Dorsey Ridley, Rep. David Watkins and Rep. Suzanne Miles honored the life and career of Henderson Judge Executive Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr. – a dedicated public servant to Henderson County for 25 years – yesterday on the Senate and House floor.

Judge Executive McCormick died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 18.

Before serving as county judge executive, he also was a Henderson County magistrate.

Joining Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, on the Senate floor today to honor the late Judge Executive Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr. was his wife, Tina McCormick, and his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Biggs.

“Hugh was someone that I could always visit with in regards to what the needs were in the community,” said Ridley, D-Henderson. “He did a great job in communicating those needs. He was a humble man, who knew how to lead.

“Hugh had an agenda that was progressive and forward thinking, and the best thing for us to do is continue that process,” said Ridley, sponsor of Senate Resolution 145.

“Hugh gave 25 years of his life to this community,” said Watkins, D-Henderson, co-sponsor of House Resolution 161 along with Rep. Suzanne Mills, R-Owensboro, who also represents Henderson. “He always had the best interest of this community in mind, even when things weren’t the most popular. We’ve got to take care of our people and our county, and that’s the most important thing. I think Hugh did that more than anything.”

“I was honored to welcome Hugh’s family with a resolution on the House floor today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Hugh was a fellow public servant who I shared the concerns of Henderson County with, and I will miss his service as judge executive,” said Rep. Miles.

Among his achievements, McCormick was instrumental in working toward a solution for the 2015 budget crisis, revamping the 911 system, and improving the county’s ambulance service.

“He did not let his ego get in the way of progress, but rather was always willing to work with others to achieve the result that was in the best interests of Henderson County,” added Ridley. “He was known for his willingness to find common solutions for Henderson County’s problems, and for his ability to work with the county’s magistrates and officials in nearby communities to that end. He was a devoted public servant. He will be missed by our entire community.”

McCormick was the son of the late Donald Hugh McCormick Sr. and Patricia Biggs McCormick and was the husband of Tina McCormick. He is survived by daughters, Kristin McCormick, Jessica Tippy, Jessica Nevitt, and Lauren Rodgers; sisters, Cathy McCormick and Elizabeth Waldrop; and grandchildren, Ava Elizabeth Tippy, Mason Hugh Thomas Tippy, and Lillyan Nicole Nevitt.

“Hugh’s life was centered on his wife, his family and our Henderson community,” said Sen. Ridley. “He was an innovator who always saw opportunities and was aggressive with bringing those opportunities to fruition. He was a fiscally responsible leader, but he always kept his community agencies, such as the volunteer fire departments, humane society, Riverview School and many others, funded for the betterment of the community. What a legacy he leaves for us to remember.”

“The good memories we have of Hugh will live long after his untimely death,” said Senator Ridley. “He was my friend, as he was with many others from all over this great commonwealth, and he will be missed.”

When the Senate and House adjourned Wednesday, it did so in honor and loving memory of Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr.

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to the discuss the budget process, state pensions, Medicaid, and other issues in the General Assembly. He appeared with three other legislators, including House Democratic Caucus Chair Sannie Overly, D-Paris.

To view the episode, click here.

Logging waste prompts family to found The Wood Mill to produce pallets, railroad ties in Union County

Company locates new, 30-employee operation in former lumberyard in Sturgis

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2016) – Appalled by forest waste left on their land after logging and with no local facility to process it, Union County family members decided to open a zero-waste sawmill to produce railroad ties, pallets and other wood products.

Governor Matt Bevin announced today that a $1.1 million investment by Hutchison and Hopper family members will transform a five-building former lumberyard in Sturgis into The Wood Mill, Inc., a 30-job manufacturing venture.

“Thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Kentucky families like the Hutchisons and the Hoppers, people around the world continue to recognize the Commonwealth as a manufacturing hub,” said Governor Bevin. “Even though they already own multiple companies, these entrepreneurs identified a need in the market, a source for local raw materials and the resources to start a new business. I encourage Kentuckians around the state to emulate this kind of kind of business ingenuity.”

Production at The Wood Mill could start in June following renovations to existing lumberyard buildings and installation of equipment. In addition to pallets and railroad ties, the facility will produce heat-treated firewood, saw dust for sale to local farms and crafted wood specialty products.

The owners plan to log their own land and purchase logs from local individuals and companies.

“We are excited about this new business venture and being able to locate in Sturgis. We would like to thank Union County First, Kyndle and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for their assistance in this project,” said Amy Hutchison.

She and her husband, Jim, along with his brother Matt, their uncle Perry Hopper and cousin Michael Hopper, own the new venture. The group already knows the logging industry – they co-own H&H Timber – as well as a scrap-metal business Hutchison & Hopper, LLC.

Amy and Jim also own Hutchison Trucking, which primarily hauls for local coal companies.

Last fall they hired a logger to cut trees on their land.

“We had to deal with all the waste and it really made us sick,” Jim Hutchison said. “I had an excavator out there and piled up a bunch of logs to burn but we couldn’t stand to. There aren’t any sawmills close to us so we decided to look into that.”

The Wood Mill will produce pallets for the coal industry and use a hammer mill to process smaller branches for chips and fiber. Larger branches will get split into firewood and heat treated to meet certifications for out-of-state transport.

“We just wanted to use the whole tree,” Jim Hutchison said.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson, applauded the new venture.

“Our community looks forward to the success of The Wood Mill, its economic impact and the new jobs it will bring. The community is ready to fill new positions with skilled workers. Hutchison Trucking has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to building on that relationship as The Wood Mill grows and prospers,” Ridley said.

Rep. Suzanne Miles, of Owensboro, said she appreciates the family’s commitment to expanding in Union County.

“We look forward to other opportunities to employ more skilled workers in the region,” Miles said.

Brad Schneider, CEO of Kyndle, the economic development agency for Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties, said when established companies consider adding different products and business lines, they often find new markets and rewarding ventures.

“It’s always exciting when existing companies explore new ways to help their businesses prosper and grow, and The Wood Mill is a great example of that,” Schneider said. “Kyndle is proud to help these courageous entrepreneurs create new jobs for Union County, and we look forward to assisting them in the future.”

Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins said he looks forward to the opportunity and possibilities that The Wood Mill Inc. could bring to the community.

“Manufacturing diversity is healthy for our local and regional economy, as is the indirect impact that it will have. We look forward to working in any way we can with The Wood Mill Inc., now and in the future,” Jenkins said.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved The Wood Mill for tax incentives up to $460,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, The Wood Mill is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on the new company, visit The Wood Mill on Facebook.

A detailed community profile for Union County can be viewed here.

More Than A Bakery plans to employ 310 with facility in Versailles

Family-owned Indiana company selects Woodford County for third location nationally

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2016) – Today, Governor Matt Bevin announced that More Than A Bakery, LLC, an extension of a century-old family business based in Indiana, plans to build a $57.1 million facility in Versailles.

More Than A Bakery, affiliated with Richmond Baking Co., would employ 310 people and produce cookies, crackers and other items by contract for major food brands and retailers.

“We celebrate the news that More Than A Bakery plans to make a significant economic impact in Woodford County and create a substantial number of jobs with its investment in a state-of-the art facility,” Gov. Bevin said. “I have a special appreciation for multi-generational family companies like Richmond Baking that built themselves from modest beginnings, and I am personally grateful to the Quigg family for this tremendous vote of confidence. Kentucky offers the business climate, infrastructure, resources and personalized services necessary for companies like theirs to succeed.”

More Than A Bakery shared its plans for a 250,000- to 300,000-square-foot building in Versailles with construction expected to start this summer and the facility operational by the end of 2017. The facility would be located on more than 100 acres to allow for future expansion. More Than A Bakery would represent Richmond Baking’s third world-class bakery and distribution operation.

“The company has needed this kind of additional space for some time now,” said Bill Quigg, president and member of the fourth generation of family ownership. “The Richmond plant is bursting at the seams and isn’t easily adapted for current production methods, and the Georgia facility has had 200 percent growth in two years. We want this new facility and our new employees to help us create a unique culture that will help everyone succeed both personally and professionally.”

Throughout the decades, the company gained expertise in breading systems, dessert crumbs, ice cream inclusions, contract baking and packaging services. Richmond Baking’s customers include Fortune 100 food brands, grocery and convenience store chains, school cafeterias and national food-service companies.

“I am pleased that the Richmond Baking Company is adding a new facility in Versailles, which will create new job opportunities and provide a boost to the local economy,” said Sen. Julian M. Carroll, of Frankfort. “I welcome the company and look forward to a long and successful corporate partnership.”

“This is great news for our community and is poised to provide a major boost to our local economy,” said Rep. James Kay, of Versailles. “I have been proud to work with our state and local leaders to foster a business climate that makes investment like this a possibility. This speaks volumes about all that we and our workforce have to offer, and it is another example that Woodford County is open for business.”

“We have been working for a while to get these jobs into Versailles, and I am certainly pleased that we have reached this point, because this company has a great reputation of being family and community friendly,” said Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott. “I am committed to doing all I can to move this project forward and hope we can announce a groundbreaking soon.”

“We are delighted to be working with More Than A Bakery, LLC who wants to bring many jobs to Woodford County,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle. “This project’s been over two years in the making and we believe Woodford County is the perfect location for their operations and families! We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this new company.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $8 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, More Than A Bakery was preliminarily approved by KEDFA for $700,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

More Than A Bakery also is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on More Than A Bakery, visit www.MoreThanABakery.com and for Richmond Baking Company, visit www.RichmondBaking.com.

A detailed community profile for Versailles (Woodford County) can be viewed here.

Sen. Thomas’ resolution recognizing importance of removing barriers for breastfeeding awaits governor’s signature

FRANKFORT (February 17, 2016) – Senator Reginald Thomas’ resolution recognizing the importance of removing barriers to breastfeeding in Kentucky passed the House of Representatives today and heads to governor for signature.

Currently, only 31 percent of Kentucky infants are still breastfeeding at 6 months of age, giving the Commonwealth the ranking of 42 out of 50 for breastfeeding rates among all states. As outlined in Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, Kentucky falls well below both the national baseline and the Healthy People 2020 goal to increase the proportion of infants who are ever breastfed to 82 percent.

Children fed mainly breastmilk for the first six months of life are 22 percent less likely to be overweight by age 14. According to the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson’s Trust for America’s Health Report, Kentucky ranks number one in the nation for high school students that are obese. Research shows that human milk and breastfeeding provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development while significantly decreasing the risk of a large number of acute and chronic diseases such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, allergies, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and childhood obesity.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that at least $3.6 billion in medical expenses could be saved each year if the number of children breastfed for at least six months increased to 50 percent.

Under SCR 9, the Senate would strongly encourage all state agencies that administer programs providing maternal or child health services to provide information about breastfeeding to program participants, and to encourage and support program participants’ choices to breastfeed.

State association of nonprofits recognizes legislators’ commitment to nonprofit sector

FRANKFORT (February 17, 2016) – Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Kentucky’s state association of nonprofit organizations, presented five member organizations, seventeen legislators and two government officials with awards as part of its eleventh annual Kentucky Nonprofit Day at the Capitol event in Frankfort on February 17. The annual event provides nonprofit organizations statewide with the opportunity to meet with legislators and support Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s (KNN) advocacy program to advance the sector.

The awards presented include the Nonprofit VOICE Awards, recognizing KNN members for their demonstrated excellence in public policy during the 2015 General Assembly, and the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Awards, recognizing legislators and government officials for their support of the KNN members’ efforts.

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both of Frankfort, were recognized for their partnership on House Bill 8, which expands protective orders to include protection for victims of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The organizations recognized John Tilley, Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and former State Representative and Senator Whitney Westerfield, both of Hopkinsville, with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for their support.

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) was also honored for its work on House Bill 149, House Bill 515 and Senate Joint Resolution 20.

Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, was honored for passing Senate Joint Resolution 20 to expedite the testing of sexual assault kits.

House Bill 419 created a tax refund check-off for a Rape Crisis Center Trust Fund on Kentucky income tax returns. The Fund will be used for sexual assault prevention programming in a continued effort to reduce the incidences of perpetration of sexual assault. Representative Chris Harris of Forest Hills was recognized for his support of this legislation.

House Bill 515 combats the demand for child trafficking by removing age as a defense to buyers and sellers of child victims. Representative Sannie Overly of Paris was recognized with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for her support.

Senate Joint Resolution 20 required an audit of the number of untested rape kits creating a backlog in the investigation of sexual crimes in Kentucky by the State Auditor, resulting in a report entitled Victims Matter. The audit identified more than 3000 untested rape kits in Kentucky, which allowed the Kentucky State Police Lab to apply for grant funding to test the kits in the backlog and create a system to prevent future backlogs and create an improved system of justice for rape victims. Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs recognized Senator Denise Harper Angel of Louisville for her support.

Kentucky Horse Council of Lexington was honored for its work on House Bill 312 to address stray equine and cattle, including posting requirements. Kentucky Horse Council recognized Representative Tom McKee of Cynthiana and Senator Robin Webb of Grayson with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for their support.

The Kentucky Horse Council nominated Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, for the award for her work on the stray and abandoned horse bill.

Kentucky Oil and Gas Association of Frankfort was honored for its work on Senate Bill 186, which created new sections of the law related to oil and gas production and reclaiming. Senator Julian Carroll of Frankfort, Representative Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook and Representative Jim Gooch of Providence were all recognized with awards for their support.

Special Olympics Kentucky was honored for its work on House Bill 178, which created a tax check-off option to support their mission on Kentucky income tax returns. Representative Martha Jane King of Lewisburg was recognized with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for her support.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network of Lexington recognized Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Representatives Jody Richards of Bowling Green, Thomas Kerr of Taylor Mill, Chris Harris of Forest Hills, Dean Schamore of Hardinsburg, Linda Belcher of Shepherdsville and Senator Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville with Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Awards for their support of House Bill 440. The legislation modernized a number of laws governing nonprofit organizations in Kentucky, including guidance on the use of technology in nonprofit governance.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network also recognized Representatives Addia Wuchner of Burlington, Arnold Simpson of Covington and Brent Yonts of Greenville with awards for their support of House Concurrent Resolution 89. HCR 89 established the Government Nonprofit Contracting Task Force charged with exploring ways to streamline state government contracts with nonprofit organizations to encourage efficiency and cost savings for both state government and nonprofits. The Task Force’s recommendations are due this fall.

Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes spoke at the Rally to promote her partnership with KNN and the nonprofit sector on House Bill 367, which continues work to modernize the laws governing Kentucky’s nonprofit organizations. The bill was introduced a few weeks ago by Representative Jody Richards of Bowling Green.

Partnering with Kentucky Nonprofit Network to host Kentucky Nonprofit Day at the Capitol were the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, OWL Foundation, Bart Baldwin Consulting and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The event was sponsored by AT&T Kentucky.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network is the state association of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and advance Kentucky’s nonprofit community. With nearly fifteen years of service, KNN provide nonprofit organizations with a unified public policy voice, professional development opportunities and resources, and various member benefits.

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss education issues

FRANKFORT (February 16, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Feb. 15 to discuss education issues and legislation involving education in the current General Assembly.

To watch the broadcast, click here.

**Co-editors of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia honored at 13th annual Black History Month Celebration**

Dr. Smith and Dr. Dupont bring message on ‘Symbolism and Reality’

FRANKFORT (February 10, 2016) – Dr. Gerald Smith, Karen Cotton McDaniel and Dr. John A. Hardin, co-editors of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia, were recipients of the 2016 Legacy Award today at the 13^th annual Black History Month Celebration at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. This year’s event, hosted by the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus, focused on the theme “The Unfinished Business of Kentucky: ‘Symbolism and Reality.’”

Dr. Carolyn Dupont was presented framed House and Senate Resolutions to recognize the efforts of her and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda to a more suitable historical place. We honored them with House and Senate Resolutions. From left to right are Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, Dr. Dupont, and Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington. — Dr. Carolyn Dupont was presented framed House and Senate Resolutions to recognize the efforts of her and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda to a more suitable historical place. From left to right are Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, Dr. Dupont, and Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington.

“African Americans have made significant contributions to our state and to our nation,” Senator Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, said. “As we celebrate those accomplishments, it is only fitting that we honor those who have made significant contributions by acknowledging those achievements. Black History Month allows us to reflect on the resilience and spirit of the African-American community and the unmatched influence its leaders have had on the American fiber.”

Dr. Smith, associate professor at the University of Kentucky, delivered the keynote address on “The Unfinished Business of Kentucky: ‘Symbolism and Reality’” to a standing room only crowd in the Capitol Rotunda. Dr. Smith spoke just a few feet from the Jefferson Davis statute that was the symbolic focus of his presentation. Dr. Carolyn Dupont, associate history professor at Eastern Kentucky University, set the stage for Dr. Smith by opening with some of Kentucky’s history and arguments for the removal of the statute from the Rotunda.

“The work by Dr. Smith, Ms. McDaniel and Dr. Hardin is a major step in preserving the accomplishments of African American leaders,” said Senator Neal. We were honored to have acknowledged them by bestowing our highest recognition, the Living Legacy Award. Today, we also see the scholarly insight into the experience and efforts of Dr. Dupont and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda, a place of honor, to a more suitable historical place. We honored them with House and Senate Resolutions.

Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, speaking during the 13th annual Black History Month Celebration today in the Capitol Rotunda.

“Just last week, we gathered in the Capitol Rotunda and celebrated the life of one of Kentucky’s great African-American leaders, Sen. Georgia Powers,” said Governor Matt Bevin. “In an interview on the occasion of her 90th birthday, Sen. Powers told a reporter ‘I did what I was supposed to do in life.’ As we celebrate Black History Month and remember those who, like Sen. Powers, were strong and colorful threads in the tapestry of Kentucky history, let us also remember that every single one of us can make a lasting contribution to the fabric of our communities by doing what we are each ‘supposed to do in life.’”

Along with Senator Neal, the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus is composed of Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington and Representatives George Brown Jr., D-Lexington; Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro; Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort; Reginald Meeks and Darryl Owens, both D-Louisville, and Arnold Simpson, D-Covington. Several other members of the caucus joined Neal in speaking on the significance of the Black History Month celebration. Graham led the Legislative Roll Call.

“This is not just a celebration of African American history,” Neal explained, “This is a celebration of American history. Black History Month presents us an opportunity to remember the important legacy of African Americans in Kentucky and the nation – much of which would have been lost over the years if not for this special time of remembrance. It is important that we know and honor many of the notable citizens who have contributed to our history as well as pay respect to the many, many others whom history has forgotten. I encourage all Kentuckians to join me as we observe Black History Month.”

Award Recipients

Dr. Gerald Smith is a professor of history and the holder of the Theodore A. Hallam Professorship (2015-17) in the department of history at the University of Kentucky. He is author, editor and coeditor of three books and other publications on history.

Karen Cotton McDaniel is professor emeritus at Kentucky State University, where she was a tenured full professor and director of libraries. She has more than 20 publications on black Kentuckians, including book chapters, articles and encyclopedic essays. She has also taught at Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College.

Dr. John A. Hardin, a professor of history at Western Kentucky University, is the author of two books, several major articles and numerous book reviews on Kentucky African American history. He has taught at KSU and Eastern Washington University and has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky.

Other Participants in BHM Program

The Kentucky State Ensemble, directed by Dr. Carl Smith, performed the Black National Anthem and other musical selections. Miss Kentucky Clark Janell Davis also performed a musical selection.

The Rev. Linda Brown, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, lead the invocation and benediction. Governor Matt Bevin, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Chief Justice John D. Minton delivered greetings.

The Kentucky Supreme Court held a reception immediately following the program on the second floor of the mezzanine.

Black History Month

Black History Month dates to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves who worked in a Kentucky coal mine as a child, proposed and then launched a weeklong celebration of individuals and occasions having a significant impact on African-American history in America. In 1976, the celebration was extended to the entire month of February. From the initial event, the primary emphasis has been on encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of American blacks in the nation’s public schools.

House, Senate committees unanimously pass Sen. Jones’s, Speaker Stumbo’s “Noah’s Law”

FRANKFORT (February 10, 2016) – Two identical bills that have one goal – helping a Pike County boy and as many as 200 other children who have been denied the same health benefit – cleared a major hurdle today when separate House and Senate committees unanimously approved the legislation within minutes of each other.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, right, and House Speaker Greg Stumbo, left, prepare to testify on behalf of “Noah’s Law,” legislation they filed that would have insurance companies extend coverage for therapeutic food to help citizens like nine-year-old Noah Greenhill, who is pictured at the table with his father, Eddie Greenhill.

Senate Bill 146, which is sponsored by Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, and House Bill 353, which House Speaker Greg Stumbo has filed, call on insurance companies to cover a special type of formula needed by those whose medical condition precludes them from eating most foods.

The two legislative leaders filed their bills after learning about the plight faced by Eddie and Stephanie Greenhill and their nine-year-old son, Noah. Until Noah was five, doctors could not diagnose why he was ill, and he weighed only 25 pounds at the time. In 2010, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition that attacked his organs and ultimately required him to have a feeding tube installed.

He now receives an amino acid-based elemental formula four times a day, at a daily cost of more than $40. The family’s insurance company, however, has denied coverage for that, despite being required to provide similar benefits for other illnesses.

“It was appalling to me that the insurance company would deny the coverage,” Sen. Jones of Pikeville testified. House Speaker Stumbo of Prestonsburg, who filed his bill after learning about the issue from Sen. Jones, later added that it was “amazing insurance companies have turned their backs” on families like this.

During his testimony, Eddie Greenhill said the denial caused his family to take money from their own retirement and to receive help from their parents. “Amino acid-based elemental formulas have made Noah better – and because they are medically necessary, insurance companies should be required to cover them,” he said.

Sen. Jones and Speaker Stumbo testified together with the family before the two committees: Senate Health and Welfare and House Banking and Insurance. Following suggestions by committee members, the legislative leaders said they would seek to tweak the bills so they would take effect immediately and potentially expand to cover a group of citizens facing similar conditions.

The bills will now go before their respective chambers, where they are expected to be approved in the coming days. Once Noah’s Law, as the legislation will be known, clears the House and Senate, it will be sent to Governor Bevin to be signed into law.

WLEX-TV in Lexington reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

Leader Jones also discussed Noah’s Law with EKB News. To watch that broadcast, click here.

Sen. Webb’s bicycle safety bill clears Senate

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – A bicycle safety bill, sponsored by Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, is gaining momentum in the Kentucky Legislature and attention across the state.

The Kentucky State Senate today passed Senate Bill 80, which has garnered interest from cyclists from the eastern to the western and the northern to the southern regions of the commonwealth.

SB 80 relates to motorists passing cyclists on the roadway. This measure would require cyclists to travel on the right side of the highway and not be required to travel on the shoulder of the highway. It specifies that motorists should allow a distance of three feet when passing a cyclist on the left. It also allows motorists to cross the double yellow line when passing, if it is safe, to ensure the three feet.

“This is a clarification and codification of what people should already be doing,” said Senator Webb. “It is what we learned from our driver’s manual. This simply codifies safe roadway behavior that motorists and cyclists should already be practicing.”

Cycling is a growing sector of transportation in the urban and rural areas for recreation, health and necessity. Cycling is also a component of the Kentucky Trail Town initiative and will benefit cities like Olive Hill, Morehead and others that are so designated.

The Kentucky Trail Town initiative is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and assist in developing sites as tourist destinations. The goal is to create an environment that is inviting to travelers, entrepreneurs and economic development.

“Motorists need to be mindful that this sector is growing, not only for convenience and recreation, but also sometimes out of necessity,” Senator Webb said, adding that these trails are becoming more and more important to the region and state’s tourism.

“When they travel through our communities, cyclists spend money,” she said. “We want to do everything we can to attract them and make them safe when they are in our communities.”

SB 80, which has the support of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission, is now headed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senator Webb represents the 18^th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

WEKU reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

The Portsmouth Daily Times also reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

Sen. Harper Angel’s PVA bill passes in Senate

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Senator Denise Harper Angel’s bill to clarify the language in KRS defining reasonable fee in the property valuation administrator (PVA) office and align the fee schedule with the Kentucky’s Open Records Act today passed on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.

Senator Harper Angel captures the vote count as her PVA bill passes out of the Senate.

There would be no monetary changes resulting from Senate Bill 64.

“This language is in agreement with the language used in developing the original fee schedule in 1993 and codifies the earlier legislation,” said Senator Harper Angel, D-Louisville and a former Jefferson County PVA.

“I am glad this measure has moved to the House of Representatives for action and look forward to its passage in that chamber,” she added.

SB 64 will be heard in a House committee before it can advance to the full House for a vote.

Sen. Jones, Speaker Stumbo file “Noah’s Law” to help Pike Co. boy with rare condition

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Hoping to help a young Pike County boy with a rare medical condition, Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo and state Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II have filed identical bills that would extend health insurance coverage to include the treatment he and others with similar illnesses need.

The legislation would benefit Noah Greenhill, the nine-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and whose plight was featured on EKB-TV. The condition attacks his esophagus, making it extremely difficult for him to eat any food beyond nine items doctors have found he can tolerate. As a result, he has to administer an amino acid-based formula into a feeding tube four times a day, at a daily rate of more than $40. His insurance does not cover that cost.

The legislation – House Bill 353 and Senate Bill 146 – would change that by including this formula among the therapeutic food that health plans are already required to cover by law for other metabolic and genetic conditions.

“After I heard about Noah, and learned about Senator Jones’ bill, I pledged to join with him and move that cause forward in the House,” Speaker Stumbo said. “This is a sensible clarification that needs to occur. I’m confident we can do this and have Noah’s Law on the books by the end of the legislative session in April.”

“We would never allow an insurance company to deny insulin for a juvenile diabetic, so why would we allow an insurance company to deny amino acid-based elemental formula that is needed for these children to live,” added Jones. “I look forward to working with Speaker Stumbo to see this become law for Noah and other children like him.”

The House and Senate legislation is based on Illinois’ model law. According to Noah’s family, 17 other states mandate this type of coverage.

Both bills are set to be heard in committee at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 10^th. Speaker Stumbo’s will be in the House Banking and Insurance Committee, which meets in Room 149 of the Capitol Annex, while Sen. Jones’ bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, which meets in the Annex’s Room 131.

Sen. Thomas appears on “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss minimum wage

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss minimum wage legislation.

To view the broadcast, click here.

Senate pays tribute to the late Sen. Powers

FRANKFORT (February 4, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today passed Senator Gerald A. Neal’s resolution honoring the late Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers, a former Kentucky senator and civil rights leader who passed away Saturday.

With the passage of Senate Resolution 100, a bronze plaque will be placed at Senator Powers’ desk in the Senate chamber commemorating her service to the Senate and the profound legacy of service, compassion, and courage she leaves behind.

Several senators took to the floor after a memorial service for Powers in the State Capitol Rotunda to pay tribute to the late senator.

Neal, D-Louisville, who succeeded Powers as the Senator from the 33rd district said that Senator Powers is an iconic figure that represents the continuing fight for justice, equality, and a better community and state for us all.

“She was a focused and furious warrior at the federal, state and local levels – and has left a legacy that has given guidance to us all,” Neal added.

Powers worked alongside giants of the civil rights movement. She helped bring Dr. Martin Luther king Jr., Jackie Robinson and other civil rights leaders to Kentucky for what became known as the 1964 March on Frankfort. A little over two years later, Kentucky became the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line to pass a civil rights bill.

Fifty years later Powers served as the keynote speaker at the 50th anniversary of the civil rights Movement in Frankfort.

Powers went on to become the first African American to serve in the Kentucky Senate when she was elected in 1967 to serve the 33rd Senate District in Louisville.

During her 21 years in the Senate, she sponsored bills prohibiting employment discrimination, prohibiting sex and age discrimination, and mandating statewide fair housing.

The resolution states that throughout her time in the General Assembly, she remained consistent in her vision for a Kentucky that was equal for all and committed to the ongoing pursuit of human dignity.

When the Senate adjourned today, it did so in honor and loving memory of the Senator for the 33rd district, Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers.

Sen. Ridley’s proposed bill hopes to increase organ donations

FRANKFORT (February 3, 2016) – State Sen. Dorsey Ridley has introduced legislation in the 2016 General Assembly that would facilitate organ donations in Kentucky.

Senate Bill 139 continues legislation started when Senator Ridley was part of passing the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust for Life in 1992. This measure would put into policy the procedure for medical examiners and coroners to follow to expedite information on an individual who died outside a hospital that is a registered organ and tissue donor.

“This strengthens current law,” Ridley said. “Occasionally, the procurement organizations are not notified of organ and tissue donations when a death takes place outside of a hospital. This measure directs the medical examiner or coroner to make the call.”

SB 139 would be known as Courtney’s Law for Courtney Flear, a 19-year-old Caldwell County teenager who died as a result of injuries from a car wreck. Courtney had registered as an organ and tissue donor through the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust for Life when she renewed her driver’s license. Because there was no procedure in place, no procurement organizations were notified.

“I have worked closely with Courtney’s parents, Briggett and Gary Flear in drafting this legislation,” Ridley said. “Her parents, especially Mrs. Flear, have really taken the lead in this issue so that the wishes of registered organ donors are followed in Kentucky. The family sees it as a way they can make a positive out of a tragic loss.

“This legislation is just putting into policy the steps that need to be taken in such tragedies,” he added.

SB 139 has been assigned to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks is in support of the legislation and will work with Senator Ridley to help pass it.

Senator Ridley represents the 4th Senatorial district that includes Caldwell, Crittenden, Henderson, Livingston, Union and Webster counties.

Custom Resins to create 40 jobs with Henderson plant expansion

Project would double plant size, increase output using sustainable, bio-material

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2016) – In a project expected to bring 40 new jobs, Custom Resins Inc. plans to double the size its plant in Henderson and increase capacity with an investment of up to $12 million, Governor Matt Bevin announced today.

Custom Resins produces specialty nylon resins used for molded parts including automotive components. The company plans to build a 100,000 square-foot addition to house up to eight compounding extruders and peripheral equipment. Construction could start later this year.

“These 40 new jobs being created by the Custom Resins expansion are a powerful boost to the local economy in Henderson County. Manufacturing jobs are the economic backbone of America, and we want the world to know that Kentucky is the perfect place to make quality products. Northwest Kentucky should be proud of maintaining a pro-jobs atmosphere that encouraged one of its long-time employers to expand,” Gov. Bevin said.

Custom Resins General Manager Herb Rawlings said Kentucky’s and the local region’s advantages of location, infrastructure, cost of energy and labor market played into the decision.

“With the help of Kyndle and state economic development agencies, we were able to make this project happen,” Rawlings said. “Custom Resins has been making specialty nylon resins at the Henderson site for nearly 60 years. With this expansion we will be able to reach new markets and make new resins from sustainable, bio-based raw materials. We are excited to be able to expand on our commitment to our customers and the Henderson community.”

With about 35 million pounds of annual production capacity, the Custom Resins plant operates 24-7. By adding new reactors and other equipment, the plant will be able to polymerize newly developed nylon resins using sustainable raw materials.

Its parent company, Polymeric Resources Corporation, also operates facilities in Wayne, N.J. and Ontario, Canada. Together, its facilities produce nylon resin for further processing into residential and commercial carpet, packaging, injection-molded products, wire and cable sheathing and lawn, garden and power tool products.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson said he is glad to see Custom Resins succeeding.

“I look forward to the expansion, especially because of the resulting new jobs. Our community welcomes this growth and is ready to fill any new positions with skilled workers,” Ridley said. “Custom Resins has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to building on that relationship as the company continues to grow and prosper.”

“This is great news for our community, especially for those who work – or soon will – for Custom Resins,” said Rep. David Watkins, of Henderson. “I’m hoping news like this will lead other companies to join them in similar expansions.”

Kyndle CEO Brad Schneider said Custom Resins, long a stalwart of the Henderson County corporate community, has been a terrific employer.

“That company leadership would reaffirm its commitment and appreciation for Northwest Kentucky by investing in and expanding their local facility is truly gratifying,” Schneider said. “We are proud that Custom Resins calls Henderson County home.”

“To see a local industry expand is a real shot in the arm. Custom Resins has been a viable company in Henderson County for many years,” Henderson County Judge-Executive Hugh McCormick said. “The fact they are investing another $12,250,000 into our community and adding 40 new jobs shows their business is going strong and will be around for many more years to come. As County Judge-Executive I am looking forward to working with them during and after the expansion.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $700,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, Custom Resins was preliminarily approved by KEDFA for $200,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

In addition, Custom Resins is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Custom Resins, visit www.nylene.com.

A detailed community profile for Henderson County can be viewed here.

GLI backs Sen. McGarvey’s expanded gaming amendment

FRANKFORT (February 2, 2016) –Speaking with bipartisan support on Tuesday at the Capitol, Greater Louisville Inc. once again urged support for an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that would allow for expanded gaming.

“Every year the Commonwealth continues to see hundreds of millions of dollars flow across state lines in gaming revenue: $546 million to be exact,” said GLI President and CEO Kent Oyler. “These are dollars that could be going toward our state deficit and our significant pension obligations.”

Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, speaks at a press conference in behalf of his co-filed gaming amendment ballot measure.

GLI is backing an amendment introduced by Senator Morgan McGarvey (D-Louisville) and co-filed by Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) on Tuesday in Frankfort.

“When it comes to gaming reasonable minds can differ, but gaming is already here. 80% of Kentuckians live within an hour of a casino,” Sen. McGarvey said. “We just have to choose if we want to benefit from it.”

The measure puts expanded gaming on the ballot and dedicates 90% of revenue raised in the first ten years to unfunded pension liabilities for the Kentucky Retirement Systems and Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System. The remaining 10% of the fund would go towards purses for Kentucky’s horseracing industry.

GLI’s position continues to be that expanded gaming could be a catalyst for economic growth.

“This is a plan that has bipartisan support in the Senate right now and could significantly grow our state’s economy through business attraction, job creation, and tax revenue. Our Commonwealth is cash-strapped. We know the financial challenges Kentucky is facing,” Oyler said. “There is a real opportunity within this amendment to create positive economic growth in our Commonwealth.”

Tuesday’s press conference was also attended by several retired teachers. Tom Denton who taught for 33 years in Perry and Jefferson Counties spoke about his perspective on the pension crisis.

“My concerns today are that after years of service to my community that there will be no resources there to take care of me when I need them,” Tom Denton, a recently retired teacher from JCPS, remarked. “I’m also worried about the message that leaving the pension system unfunded sends to current teachers and those considering entering the field of education. We cannot create the great thinkers and doers of tomorrow without bright, confident teachers in our schools. If the state cannot put the dollars behind the promises it’s already made, then who would want to enter work environment with such an uncertain future.”

The Louisville Courier-Journal filed a report on the amendment. To read the article, click here.

Sen. McGarvey appears on “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss state budget

FRANKFORT (February 1, 2016) – Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” with three other legislators, including Rep. Rick Rand, D-Bedford, to discuss the state budget.

To view the broadcast, click here.

Sen. Jones’s bill to return 100 percent of coal severance revenue to coal producing counties gaining support

FRANKFORT (February 1, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones’ legislation to require 100 percent of revenue from the coal severance tax return to Kentucky’s coal producing counties is gaining support in the Kentucky State Senate. Senator Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, has signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill Jones says would help create jobs and boost the economy in the state’s coal producing counties.

“This is not a democrat or republican issue,” said Jones, D-Pikeville. “This is a jobs issue. Senator Girdler and I agree that the bill must be amended to limit its use for economic development to create jobs.”

Under Senate Bill 21, 100 percent of coal severance revenues would be distributed among the coal-producing counties on the basis of the tax collected on coal severed or processed in each respective county.

The coal severance tax is approximately five percent levied on every ton of coal mined in Kentucky.

In the past, 50 percent of revenue from the coal severance tax has been prorated for expenditures in coal producing and coal affected counties. However, with the declining tax receipts, Jones said all the tax revenue need to go to these counties to allow them to focus on creating jobs – the original intent of the tax.

“The coal severance revenue should be allocated for improvements to the infrastructures to better equip these counties to attract new business and industry,” he said. “Better roads and bridges, modern water and sewer lines/facilities, and enhanced public safety are components necessary for developing an area and making it a viable place for new businesses and industry to locate. We need them to come to eastern Kentucky and we need them to bring more jobs. Jobs are the lifeblood of our community’s success and we need to create more of them to address the deficiency in our job market.”

Jones’ legislation mandates that all the revenue return to the coal producing counties.

“With mining communities suffering, we must take a more aggressive stance in creating new jobs,” said Jones, who represents the 31st district that includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan and Pike counties. “As a lifelong resident of a coal-producing region, this Pike Countian can tell you unequivocally that we cannot afford to lose any more jobs in our coal producing counties. Now, perhaps more than ever, all the coal severance tax revenue needs to return to the counties from where it generated. And, truthfully, this legislation is long overdue.”

Jones said that he is pleased that several county judge executives from the coal producing counties support the legislation and agree on its impact and importance in creating more jobs.

Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, signed on as a co-sponsor when Jones filed the bill in October.

SB 21 will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

Rape kit testing legislation gets boost from Gov. Bevin’s proposed budget

FRANKFORT (Feb. 1, 2016) – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, designed to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits in Kentucky received support from Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed budget during his State of the Commonwealth Address .

Sen. Angel had already filed a bill this session seeking $5 million to assist the Kentucky State Police and changes to ensure that the backlog of untested rape kits never returns to the state.

Harper Angel’s bill calls for the dollars to be transferred from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund in order to increase personnel and equipment with crime lab. The bill also calls for systemic changes to ensure victims receive swift justice.

The legislation and budget assistance was reported by cn|2’s Nick Storm on Jan. 29. To read his article, click here.

Sen. Jones discusses proposed budget to media outlets

FRANKFORT (Jan. 28, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones, D-Pikeville, voiced his opinion on the proposed budget from Gov. Matt Bevin this week to KET and to the Legislative Research Commission’s media department.

To watch Sen. Jones’s Jan. 28 interview with KET’s Renee Shaw, click here.

To listen to Sen. Jones discuss his concerns about higher education funding cuts in Gov. Bevin’s budget plan, click here.

Sen. Thomas’s SCR 9 gets unanimous vote of support from Senate

FRANKFORT (Jan. 28, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate voted unanimously today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, which would recognize the importance of removing barriers to breastfeeding in Kentucky.

Speaking on the Senate floor, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, said this measure is about healthy babies, healthy moms, and healthy families – at no cost.

SCR 9, Senator Thomas’ first bill to pass out of the Senate, now heads to the House for further consideration.

Gov. Bevin, Mayor Fischer announce FarmedHere to locate at West Louisville FoodPort, create 40 jobs

Vertical farming operation to lease 60,000 square feet, invest about $23.5 million

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2016) – Governor Matt Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that FarmedHere, the country’s largest and longest-running vertical farm, will locate a year-round indoor farm and food processing facility in the West Louisville FoodPort, creating 40 jobs with a $23.5 million investment.

“Agriculture is one of the Commonwealth’s signature industries and we are excited to welcome a company that will help us build upon that success,” said Governor Bevin. “FarmedHere’s unique approach provides an opportunity to boost Kentucky’s local produce output and distribution. We are pleased to welcome FarmedHere to Kentucky and anticipate their fruitful partnership with the West Louisville FoodPort.”

FarmedHere plans to lease 60,000 square feet in the FoodPort for its vertical farming operation and use half the space for up to 10 rows of vertically stacked grow beds. The company will dedicate the remaining space to sorting and packaging leafy greens and processing herbs and other plants for inclusion in salad dressings, baby food and additional value-added products.

The facility’s location will help FarmedHere quickly deliver freshly harvested, USDA-certified organic and pesticide-free produce. FarmedHere also plans to hire veterans and second-chance employees including refugees and ex-offenders.

“Louisville is an ideal location for a FarmedHere vertical farm as it enables us to deliver healthy, local, organic produce 365 days a year to the approximately 18.2 million people living within a 200-mile radius of the city,” said Matt Matros, CEO of FarmedHere. “We are thrilled to partner with Seed Capital Kentucky, the West Louisville FoodPort, the state, Governor Bevin, Mayor Fischer and Louisville Forward as we work to make this new facility a reality and give back to the Louisville community.”

“FarmedHere’s sustainable practices and compassionate hiring policy make it an ideal community partner in west Louisville,” Fischer said. “The addition of this innovative company to the West Louisville FoodPort affirms our commitment to giving every citizen an opportunity for a healthy lifestyle by making locally grown food easily accessible.”

FarmedHere opened its first vertical farm in Chicago in 2010. The company works closely with local vendors to get produce from harvest to store within 48 hours, and to ensure distribution remains within 200 miles of the operation. FarmedHere currently sells to many large grocery stores in the Greater Chicago area, including Whole Foods and Mariano’s, a division of Kroger.

The company expects to work with traditional farmers, rather than compete with them, by growing produce in seasons when traditional farmers cannot, and by offering produce not supported by the Kentucky climate. FarmedHere’s vertical growing technology and local distribution methods help reduce time to market, energy use and overall costs. By growing entirely indoors with complete control of all variables, FarmedHere eliminates many of the obstacles traditional agriculture faces, including bugs, diseases, pesticides and weather.

FarmedHere is one of several businesses to commit to operating at the FoodPort. Other businesses include The Weekly Juicery, Piazza Produce and Just One Organics. Construction is expected to begin in August and businesses will begin their operations roughly 14 months later.

“I am pleased FarmedHere has chosen Louisville to locate its new facility, which will create new job opportunities and provide a boost to the local economy,” said Senate Minority Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, of Louisville. “The fresh, healthy food availability also will be good for us and will attract others to the area. I welcome FarmedHere and look forward to a long and successful corporate partnership.”

“The announcement of FarmedHere partnering with FoodPort is exciting news and will capitalize upon our efforts to bring employment, investment and healthy food production and consumption to West Louisville,” said Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville. “This is an innovative agriculture initiative and a vital economic boost as it will focus on hiring veterans and second chance employees to staff the facility.”

“This is a fantastic affirmation of the promise of the FoodPort,” said Caroline Heine, co-founder and project director of Seed Capital KY, the group developing the FoodPort. “FarmedHere sees the value of this integrated, public-private-nonprofit partnership, and has chosen to expand its business here, bringing investment, jobs and relationships, and offering a year-round supply of healthy, locally-grown food for our community. We could not be more excited.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved FarmedHere for tax incentives up to $400,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, FarmedHere can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

To learn more about FarmedHere, visit www.farmedhere.com.

More information about the West Louisville FoodPort is available here.

A detailed community profile for Louisville (Jefferson County) can be viewed here.

Sen. Neal files for re-election to 33^rd district senate seat

FRANKFORT (January 25, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, filed today for re-election to his 33^rd senatorial district seat.

“I am honored to represent the people of the 33^rd district,” said Neal, who has served in the Kentucky State Senate since 1988. “I want to use my experience and seniority to work for improvements in health and welfare, education, job creation, economic development and criminal justice reform.”

Neal, an experienced and respected legislator, was the second African American elected to serve in the Kentucky State Senate. The senator is the longest serving member of the Senate. He was elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2014, becoming the first African American elected to a leadership position in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

During his tenure in the Senate, Neal has been a strong voice for senior citizens, youth, the disadvantaged and minorities. He is a strong advocate for education, economic development, healthcare and penal code reform.

Veterans committee passes Sen. Jones’ resolution to protect 2^ndamendment rights

FRANKFORT (January 21, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones’ legislation urging the Governor of Virginia and the Virginia Attorney General to restore reciprocal recognition of concealed carry weapons licenses from Kentucky is making its way through the legislative process.

Senate Joint Resolution 36, which is the result of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s recent decision to cease recognition of concealed deadly weapon licenses from Kentucky and 24 other states, was passed today by the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.

Jones, D-Pikeville, said that law abiding citizens should have a way to protect themselves.

SJR 36 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Sen. Parrett’s bill to strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers passes the Senate

FRANKFORT (January 20, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett’s bill to broaden the window that allows for stronger penalties for habitual drunk drivers continues to make its way through the legislative process.

Senate Bill 56, which would expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years, today passed the Senate.

Senator Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, said this is an important move because in Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony.

The bill also changes the days that a report must be filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to 180 days from 90.

SB 56 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. If the bill gains final approval, it will be known as the Brianna Taylor Act, in honor of an Elizabethtown teenager who lost her life due to a drunk driver.

Sen. Carroll to seek re-election

FRANKFORT (January 20, 2016) – Senator Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, citing a history of public service and a record of working for public employee benefits, significant progress in roads, education, and protection for senior citizens, filed for re-election yesterday in the Secretary of State’s office.

Carroll, who represents Anderson, Franklin, Gallatin, Owen and Woodford counties, has been a member of the State Senate since 2005. In 2014, his colleagues elected him Senate Democratic Caucus Whip. However, his record of public service spans more than four decades, including a term as governor from 1976-1980. When he sought the governor’s office, Carroll won the race by the widest majority of any governor in state history, carrying all congressional districts.

Carroll also served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1962-72, was Speaker of the House from 1968-1972, was lieutenant governor from 1972-75 — winning that race by the widest majority in history — and served as chairman of both the Governors and Lieutenant Governors National Conferences.

“Serving the people of the 7th district has allowed me to apply my experience and leadership on behalf of my constituents,” Carroll said. “I want to continue to use my seniority and position to work for our state employees and for improvements in health care, education, job creation and for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Carroll currently serves on the following committees: Licensing Occupations and Administrative Regulations; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; Committee on Committees, and Rules. He also serves on the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and the Government Contract Review Committee. As a member of leadership, he has a seat on the Legislative Research Commission.

“I have a long record of service with the state of Kentucky and I will continue that work during the 2016 Session,” he said. “I will be a voice for our state employees, our teachers and all the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Carroll, 84, earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky in 1956. He is a retired attorney and a resident of Frankfort.

The Frankfort State-Journal reported on Sen. Carroll’s announcement. To read the article, click here.

Sen. Clark to seek re-election to 37^th district

FRANKFORT – Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, filed for re-election to the 37^th senatorial district seat on Monday, January 11 in the office of the Secretary of State.

“It has been my great honor to serve the 37^th district in the Kentucky State Senate,” Senator Clark said. “There are critical issues facing Louisvillians, such as the need for adequate health care and for quality education. With the support of my constituents, I am eager to continue my efforts in these areas and others that are important to move Kentucky forward.”

Senator Perry Clark, D-Louisville, files for re-election with the Secretary of State’s office. Assisting him is Mary Sue Helm.

Senator Clark pledges to continue to work toward creating jobs and helping small businesses; getting adequate funding for the schools; standing up for organized labor; working for better benefits for veterans and military families, and protecting Louisville’s seniors and other vulnerable citizens.

The Senator also has strong backing from his district on public policy that he is sponsoring, including the legalization of medical cannabis and more recently the Cannabis Freedom Act.

“I feel that my job in Frankfort is not yet complete,” said Senator Clark. “I still have work to do for the people in the South End of Louisville and will continue to be their voice in the Kentucky General Assembly.”

Senator Clark has served in the State Senate since 2006. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1995-2006. He currently sits on the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Judiciary, and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committees. He is also a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

There are always challenges before members of the General Assembly, but the Senator says he is ready to work toward solutions.

“I am honored by the trust the residents of our district have placed in me, and I never take that for granted,” Senator Clark said. “I continue to make the needs and concerns of our constituents my priority.”

A native of Louisville’s South End, Senator Clark is a University of Louisville employee and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He and his wife of 35 years, Sheila, have a son, Martin who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and a daughter, Angela who is librarian. He remains active in the community working with the Boy Scouts of America as a merit badge counselor and with the neighborhood associations.

Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hears Second Amendment issue at first meeting

FRANKFORT (January 19, 2016) – The Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first meeting of the 2016 Legislative Session this week in Frankfort. The caucus, co-chaired by Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset, is composed of almost 100 legislators representing the interest of Kentucky’s hunters and anglers.

At Tuesday’s meeting, representatives from Knife Rights, Inc. — Chairman Doug Ritter and Director of Legislative Affairs Todd Rathner — talked about the need to strengthen Kentucky’s knife laws.

The Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first meeting of the 2016 Legislative Session this week in Frankfort. Pictured left to right are: Daniel Hall, NRA representative; Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, Inc., Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset; Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Todd Rathner, Knife Rights, Inc. Director of Legislative Affairs.

“One of our roles as a caucus is to protect our Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Webb. “Knife rights fall under the Second Amendment and some of us fear that those rights are at risk.”

Approximately 60 legislators and others interested in sportsmen issues, including Daniel Hall with the National Rifle Association and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Greg Johnson, attended the bi-partisan meeting.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Kentucky caucus, along with Rep. Turner,” said Senator Webb. “When I speak out in support of an issue – or Rep. Turner speaks in support of an issue – we are only one voice. As a caucus, we are many voices and we are able to spread our message farther. As a group, we are not only able to reach more people, but we can share ideas and work together to reach common goals.

“The caucus allows us to come together as sportsmen and women – not as Democrats or Republicans. We leave our political affiliations at the door so that we can focus on what is best for Kentucky’s sports enthusiasts,” added Webb.

“We, as sportsmen, must stand united now more than ever, as our rights to hunt and fish are constantly under attack,” Rep. Turner said. “I am honored to serve as co-chair with Senator Webb and look forward to what our caucus will accomplish.”

Sen. Parrett’s bill to strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers passes out of Judiciary Committee

Brianna Taylor Act heads to Senate floor for vote

FRANKFORT (January 14, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, is continuing the fight to broaden the window that allows for stronger penalties for habitual drunk drivers.

Senate Bill 56, which he pre-filed this summer, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today and is headed to the Senate floor for a vote.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D- Elizabethtown, testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee today on the Brianna Taylor Act. His legislation, Senate Bill 56, expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior DUI offenses from five to 10 years.

The bill would expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years. Senator Parrett said this is an important move because in Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony. By increasing the look back window, DUI convictions remain on a person’s record longer, which allows that behavior to be considered during sentencing.

“I am pleased that this significant legislation is moving forward,” said Senator Parrett, who filed similar legislation last session. “It is gaining momentum early and I feel optimistic it will make it through both chambers this session to be signed into law by the Governor.

“This measure will save lives,” he added. “It is important that we change the look pack period so that we can be tougher on habitual drunk drivers.

“As I told my colleagues last year, I don’t want to lessen the severity for anyone, but one DUI – though it is still very serious — could be a mistake. Two DUIs are not a mistake. Three, four and five DUIs are big problems.”

Senator Parrett has had strong support for SB 56 from David and Tonya Taylor. Their daughter, Brianna, was 17 and had recently graduated from Elizabethtown High School, when she lost her life due to a drunk driver. The teenager was heading home when she had the tragic misfortune to share the roadway with 35-year-old Michael Hilton. After the fatal accident, Hilton was charged with driving under the influence, two counts of assault and murder. Senator Parrett said that this was the sixth time Hilton had been charged with driving under the influence. Because his last drunken-driving conviction had happened more than five years before the accident that cost Brianna her life, the last charge was considered Hilton’s first under the legal definition of Kentucky’s current criminal statutes.

“This is a slap in the face to Brianna Taylor and all those killed by habitual drunk drivers,” Senator Parrett said. “This law needs to change. Six DUIs are not mistakes and offenders need to face tough penalties for their actions.”

Another provision of the bill, brought to Senator Parrett’s attention by Hardin County Attorney Jenny Oldham, would help to alleviate a reporting issue by county attorneys. It changes the days that a report must be filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to 180 days from 90. Senator Parrett said that he has heard from several county attorneys that this is necessary because of the time it takes to get lab testing done.

If Senator Parrett’s legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Brianna Taylor Act. Once it is passed by the whole Senate, SB 56 will head to the House for Representatives for further consideration.

The bill contains an emergency clause so that it would go into effect with the Governor’s signature – eliminating a waiting period.

The Northern Kentucky Tribune reported on Senator Parrett’s legislation. To read the article, click here.

Sen. Neal to seek re-election

FRANKFORT (January 12, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, announced yesterday that he will file for re-election to his 33^rd senatorial district seat.

Neal, an experienced and respected legislator, was the second African American elected to serve in the Kentucky State Senate. He was first elected in 1988 and has since been re-elected in the last seven consecutive elections.

The senator is the longest serving member of the Senate. He was elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2014, becoming the first African American elected to a leadership position in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“Serving the people of the 33^rd district has been one of the most important opportunities in which I’ve been able to apply my experience and leadership on behalf of my community,” Neal said. “I want to continue to use my seniority and position to work for improvements in health and welfare, education, job creation, economic development and criminal justice reform.”

He currently serves on the Senate Education; Transportation; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; Transportation; Committee on Committees, and Rules committees. The senator sits on the Public Pension Oversight Board. He also serves on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education; Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education, and Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. As a member of leadership, he has a seat on the Legislative Research Commission.

In the Senate over the years, he has passed critical legislation. Some of his legislation has:

Implemented Kentucky’s portion of the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program – KCHIP. Thousands of working families with children have benefited from this program.

Created the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and outlined its board membership.

Created the Lead Hazard Reduction Subcommittee of the Health and Welfare Committee to investigate and propose policy to reduce the hazardous use of lead.

Created firm deadlines, public disclosure and continued monitoring to push schools and the state to aggressively address the academic gaps that have been identified among students in racial, economic, disability and gender groups.

Set up a database to enforce the state’s two loan, $500 maximum on payday loans. The bill also put a 10-year moratorium on new payday lending stores.

Requires a minority member on school-based decision making councils in schools with eight percent of more minority student enrollment.

Required the Education Professional Standards Board to develop a strategic plan for increasing the number of minority teachers.

Generates about $4.3 million every year for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund as a result of a moderate increase in fees on deeds and certain other documents.

Created the Kentucky Economic Opportunity Zone (KEOZ) program which focuses on the development of areas with high levels of unemployment and poverty by encouraging businesses to locate within a KEOZ. He sponsored the first legislation of its kind in Kentucky and is currently working on a targeted incentive program for low income communities to encourage relocation of companies to create more jobs in these areas.

Prohibits racial profiling by law enforcement agencies.

Prohibits the execution of a person when evidence shows racial bias in prosecution or sentencing.

Among the many honors he has received, are his induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame and the Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians.

Neal has an extensive background in law and government. He is a practicing attorney with Gerald A. Neal and Associates, LLC. He served as assistant director of Public Health and Safety for the City of Louisville, was a hearing officer for the State Workers’ Compensation Board and worked as a juvenile probation officer.

Neal and his wife, Kathy Cookise, have two adult children, Brandon and Kristin. They reside in Louisville.

News outlets report on Sen. Harper Angel’s legislation to expedite rape kit testing

FRANKFORT (Jan. 8 and Jan. 11, 2016) – Lawrence Smith of WDRB-TV in Louisville and Ryland Barton of Kentucky Public Radio reported on a bill filed on Jan. 6 by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, that would expedite the testing of a backlog of rape kits in Kentucky.

The bill would speed the collection and testing of rape kits to less than four months. It builds on legislation sponsored by Sen. Harper Angel during the 2015 General Assembly.

To read the WDRB-TV report, click here.

To read Kentucky Public Radio’s report on WEKU’s website, click here.

News-Enterprise reports on Sen. Parrett receiving award from MADD

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2016) – The News-Enterprise in Hardin County filed a story today about Sen. Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, recently receiving the 2015 Legislator of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

To read the News-Enterprise article, click here.

Sen. Jones files resolution to honor WWII veteran

FRANKFORT (Jan. 7, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed a joint resolution yesterday designating a bridge on Kentucky Route 3414 in Pike County in honor and memory of Private Clyde Bentley.

“Private Clyde Bentley paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and left us with a debt we can never repay,” said Jones, the son of a U.S. Marine Vietnam combat veteran. “However, we can honor this hero and remember the gallant sacrifice he made for us.

“Though we can never show our true appreciation, it is my hope that this small measure will be a daily reminder of the costs that come with freedom,” Jones added. “As the son of a veteran, I learned early in life the value of the sacrifices of our service men and women.”

Clyde Bentley was born on Dec. 3. 1924 to Simon and Flossie Bentley. The Bentley family lived on the Left Fork of Long Fork.

Bentley volunteered to serve his country during World War II in October of 1943. On July 11, 1944 he was killed in action in France.

“In times of national crisis, individuals as well as their families are asked to make sacrifices,” Jones said. “The family of Private Clyde Bentley made the ultimate sacrifice in losing their son.”

If Joint Resolution 30 is adopted, the Transportation Cabinet will designate the bridge on Kentucky Route 3414 in Pike County, near Petty’s Fork on the Left Fork of Long Fork as the: “Pvt. Clyde Bentley Memorial Bridge Casualty of WWII.”

Within 30 days of the effective date of this resolution, the Transportation Cabinet will erect the appropriate signage.

The resolution will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

Sen. Jones’ resolutions rename roads in honor of veterans

FRANKFORT (Jan. 7, 2016) – Morgan County’s senator, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed Senate joint resolutions yesterday to rename sections of three roads in Morgan County to honor local veterans.

The veterans are Private First Class David Michael Sowards, Private First Class Ralph Paul Terry, and Lance Corporal Joe Roger Melczek. All three Morgan County veterans were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

“These three men paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and left us with a debt we can never repay,” said Jones, the son of a Marine Vietnam combat veteran. “However, we can honor these heroes and remember the gallant sacrifice they made for us. Though we can never show our true appreciation, it is my hope that this small measure will be a daily reminder of the costs that come with freedom.

“As the son of a Vietnam veteran, I learned early in life the value of the sacrifices of our service men and women,” Jones added.

Senate Joint Resolution 32 designates a portion of Kentucky Route 191 in Morgan County in honor and memory of Lance LCpl Melczek. SJR 33 designates a portion of Kentucky Route 191 in honor and memory of PFC Terry. The third joint resolution, SJR 31, designates Kentucky Route 3345 in honor and memory of PFC Sowards.

LCpl Melczrk joined the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War and served as a rifleman. He began a tour in Vietnam serving with K Company, 3^rd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Division. He was killed in action from artillery rocket or mortar fire on April 16, 1968 while in the Quang Tri Provine in South Vietnam. He was 20 years old. LCpl received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a native of Insko in Morgan County.
PFC Terry enlisted in the U.S. Army, also during the Vietnam War. He began a tour of duty on December 7, 1968. He served with the 1^st Cavalry Division, 1^st Battalion, 5^th Cavalry, C Company as a light weapons infantryman. He was killed in action from injuries sustained from small arms fire while on combat operations with his unit in the Phuoc Long Providence. He was 21. PFC Terry was the son of Thorton and Hazel Prater Terry.
PFC Sowards also joined the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He was a rifleman with the 1^st Marine Division, 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marines, F Company. He was killed in action from small arms fire on September 12, 1968 while in the Quang Nam Providence of South Vietnam. He was 20 years old. PFC Sowards, who was from West Liberty, received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Purple Heart.

The Senate Joint Resolutions direct the State Transportation Cabinet to erect the appropriate signage.

“It is an honor to recognize these three young men as the heroes they were and to ensure that their names will long be remembered,” said Jones.

Jones represents the 31^st Senatorial District that includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan and Pike counties.

Sen. Jones files resolution to protect 2^nd amendment rights

FRANKFORT (Jan. 6, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, today filed a Senate joint resolution urging the Governor of Virginia and the Virginia Attorney General to restore reciprocal recognition of concealed carry weapons licenses from Kentucky.

The legislation is the result of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s recent decision to cease recognition of concealed deadly weapon licenses from Kentucky and 24 other states.

“The right to self-defense and defense of others from imminent deadly threats is the most fundamental of human rights,” Jones said. “It is important that Americans have the right to protect themselves, their family and friends.”

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

There is no evidence that suspending the concealed weapons reciprocity agreement between Kentucky and Virginia would reduce crime or increase public safety, Senate Joint Resolution 36 states.

“It should be the right of all Kentuckians to protect themselves and family as they travel through the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Jones added. “Kentuckians shouldn’t lose their rights as they travel through Virginia just as Virginians should not lose their rights as they travel through Kentucky.”

SJR 36 will be considered during the 2016 legislative session. If the joint resolution gains approval in the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, is the primary co-sponsor.

WLKY-TV reports on opening day of the General Assembly

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Louisville’s WLKY-TV reported Tuesday on the opening session of the 2016 General Assembly. They spoke with several legislators about the major issues that will be addressed by the House and Senate in the coming months, including employee pensions.

Their report includes comments from Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville. To read the report, click here.

Sen. Harper Angel continues effort to have rape kits tested

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, today filed legislation to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits.

The bill is in response to former state Auditor Adam Edelen’s report that found there are 3,090 untested kits scattered across Kentucky. Senate Joint Resolution 20, sponsored by Harper Angel, during the 2015 Legislative Session required Auditor Edelen to conduct an audit to determine the number of untested kits.

Harper Angel’s current legislation requires involved agencies to establish written policies and procedures related to sexual assault examinations in order to continue to receive Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program (KLEFP) funds. It also sets timeframes for the processing of kits. The bill is modeled after the current KLEFP fund requirement for written policy and procedures related to racial profiling and domestic violence.

Within this manual, law enforcement must retrieve evidence from a collecting facility within five days of notice, and the evidence must be submitted by law enforcement to a Kentucky State Police (KSP) forensic lab within 30 days of receipt. Victims must be notified of the testing progress and DNA results. The identity of the DNA match is not provided to the victim.

Under the bill, any evidence collected as a result of the sexual assault examination cannot be destroyed. However, failure to adhere to these deadlines will not result in a dismissal of criminal action or deny the admissibility of evidence.

This bill declares an emergency, and $5 million from the KLEFP fund to be used in fiscal year 2016-2017 for the purchase of lab equipment for the processing of sexual assault kits.

“Since the KLEFP fund is intended to be used for enhancing public safety, this would be an appropriate use of funds,” Harper Angel said.

“Last session, my legislation got the process started, but we’re not finished. We’ve done the study and it’s time to move forward. Rape victims deserve to have their kits tested. These tests will help lead to the conviction of rapists,” the senator added. “These victims need their voices heard and justice needs to be served.”

The bill will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

Sen. Webb appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Monday, January 4, to discuss the 2016 General Assembly. During the upcoming 60-day session, the legislature will write the state’s next two-year budget as well as other pressing issues.

Senator Webb, who has served in the Kentucky General Assembly since 1999, has been involved in drafting the general and transportation budgets since she served in the House of Representatives, where she was first vice chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and all House budget subcommittees.

The senator currently serves on the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation.

Also scheduled to appear on “Kentucky Tonight” with host Bill Goodman are Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester; Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, and Kentucky House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown.

To view the program, click here.

Senator Webb represents the 18^th Senatorial District that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

Senator Webb honored with Keystone of Grayson Award by the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce

Tyson Chicken announces expansion in Henderson

Senate Democratic Caucus elects leadership team

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Sen. McGarvey to participate in White House Legislator Roundtable discussions

Sen. Thomas to discuss gun violence legislation at Lexington Forum event

Sen. McGarvey appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Sen. Clark participates in White Coat Program

Sen. Webb appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Senator Neal files bill to reduce felony expungement fee

State Legislative Committee to meet in Ashland to address Kentucky’s drug problem

WDRB.com reports on two prefiled bills from Sen. Neal

Sen. Thomas pre-files minimum wage bill

Sen. Webb named to state’s 225th Anniversary Commission

First Kentucky hospitals receive certification for sexual assault nurse examiner readiness

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announces grants for upgrades at Kentucky riverports

Sen. Neal files gun storage safety legislation

Sen. Thomas appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

Sen. Harper Angel’s Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 signed by Governor

During kickoff event, Gov. Bevin, Mayor Fischer laud UPS on $310 million expansion of Centennial Ground shipping hub

Senator Parrett receives 2016 Leadership Award

Louisville Plate Glass opens new production facility, plans to add up to 90 jobs

Senator Webb testifies before committee on bicycle safety

Netherlands-Based Eurotrol to create 10 to 15 jobs in Elizabethtown

Gov. Bevin, More Than A Bakery execs break ground on 310-job facility in Versailles

Ervin Cable Construction to expand Union County headquarters

Brianna Taylor Act signed by governor

Sen. McGarvey appointed by governor to Kentucky-led Council on Criminal Justice Reform

‘Hair braiding’ bill gets governor’s signature

Attorney General Beshear provides $700,000 to Recovery Kentucky

Attorney General Beshear provides $400,000 to Ramey-Estep recovery program

Sexual assault kit backlog being pared down, lawmakers told

El Toro cuts ribbon on new HQ in Louisville, plans 60 new jobs

Pride Industries to create 10 jobs with expansion in Union County

Senator Webb to speak at National Rifle Association Convention in Louisville

Sen. Parrett selected for subcommittee of national task force to help disabled individuals enter the workforce

Kentucky Senate Democrats honor Teacher Appreciation Week

Sen. Webb named to state’s 225^th Anniversary Commission