The Kentucky Senate Democratic caucus honors all who have served this country in the Armed Forces on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2016.
The Kentucky Nursing Association presented Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, the Citizen of the Year award on Nov. 4 at their annual conference in Louisville.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal confers with Rep. Arnold Simpson during the October meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner (left) confers with Rep. John Short during the Oct. 4 Interim Joint Committee on Transportation.
Senate Democratic Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, asks officials from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services questions about the Benefind rollout during the July 20 Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare.
Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, asks officials from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services questions about the Benefind rollout during the July 20 Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare.
Senate Democratic Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, asks a question during the July meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, and Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, discuss an issue during the June Interim Joint Committee on State Government meeting.
Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, ask a question about mental illness services available for Kentuckians during the June meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare.
Senate Democratic Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, confers with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, during the June meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville (third from left), joined Rep. Darryl Owens, Gov. Matt Bevin and other legislators on April 12 for the ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 40 – the felony expungement bill.
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Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, on April 12 joined the Greenhill Family and Governor Bevin for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 193, also known as “Noah’s Law.” SB 193 will help those suffering from eosinophilic disorders, food protein allergies and short-bowel syndrome. The bill was named after Noah Greenhill, a ten-year-old from Pike County who is essentially allergic to all but a handful of foods.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, joined Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Grimes for the official receiving and filing ceremony for Senate Bill 195. The bill, which passed the General Assembly unanimously, relates to death benefits for fire fighters who are diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
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Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville (center), confers with Senate Democratic Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort (left), and Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, during a recess period last week in the Kentucky Senate. The Senate will resume for its final day, and 60th day, of the 2016 Legislative Session on April 12th.
Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, (right) confers with Laurie Dudgeon, director of Administrative Office of the Courts, during the budget conference committee meetings during the last week of March in Frankfort. Senator Webb was selected by the Senate Majority Leadership to serve on the committee to iron out the differences in the Senate and House spending proposals. Senator Webb has worked on numerous budgets as a member of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and as former vice chair of the House budget committees.
Senator Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, met with the Kentucky State 4-H officers on March 23 during 4-H Day at the Capitol. From left to right are Calvin Andries of Lawrenceburg, president; MacKenzie Jones of Frankfort, vice president, Senator Carroll; Amelia Iliohan of Hopkins County, secretary, and Klernan Comer of Mt. Sterling, treasurer.
Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, (back right) was joined by some hair braiders on March 23 at the House Licensing and Occupations Committee meeting to support Senate Bill 269, which would remove barriers for practicing hair braiding. Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville (third from left) carried the bill in committee. SB 269 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
The Kentucky State Senate on March 22 passed Senator Morgan McGarvey’s bill relating to military service. Senate Bill 256 would allow for any high school student participating in basic training required by a branch of the US Armed Forces to be considered present for all purposes for up to 10 days. SB 256 now moves to the House of Representatives for further action.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, speaks on a constitutional amendment up for consideration on March 21 in the Kentucky State Senate.
The House State Government Committee on March 17 passed Senator Denise Harper Angel’s bill relating to property valuation administrator (PVA) fees. Senate Bill 64 would clarify and codify the language in KRS defining reasonable fee in the PVA office and align the fee schedule with the Kentucky’s Open Records Act. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for further action.
The Kentucky State Senate on March 16 passed Senate Bill 230, sponsored by Senator Morgan McGarvey, relating to blighted and deteriorated properties.
Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, observes proceedings in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
The Kentucky State Senate on March 10 adopted Senator Denise Harper Angel’s resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Louisville Collegiate School.
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington (left), and Sen. Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, follow proceedings in the Kentucky Senate. The two are not only colleagues in the Kentucky Senate, but Sen. Thomas is a native of Union County, which Senator Ridley represents.
The Kentucky State Senate and House of Representatives honored the Union County High School wrestling team on March 3 at the State Capitol for winning the 2016 KHSAA state championship. While the team was on the floor, the Senate adopted Senator Dorsey Ridley’s (far left) Senate resolution honoring their accomplishments. Pictured with the team are Senator Ridley, Rep. Suzanne Miles (second from the left), D-Owensboro, and Senator Reggie Thomas (second from the right), D-Lexington, a Union County native.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones, D-Pikeville, today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the OxyContin litigation pursued by the Attorney General’s office and the importance of protecting the civil justice system so that corporate wrongdoers can be held accountable.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, met with students from Sheldon Clark High School on March 3 in Frankfort. The students were accompanied by teachers Marcie Hanson and Connie Harless.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones, D-Pikeville, today expressed his concerns about the effects of cancer on the citizens in the commonwealth with Karly Schmidt, a University of Kentucky nursing student; Erika Palmer with the American Cancer Society, and Bob Babbage of Babbage Cofounder Government Relations. Jones has a record of supporting cancer prevention legislation.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3 passed Senator Morgan McGarvey’s bill relating to the Uniform Family Support Act. Senate Bill 216 amends various sections of KRS 407.5101 to 407.5902 to update and conform KRS Chapter 407 regarding jurisdiction and the establishment, enforcement, and modification of interstate family support orders. SB 216 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Senate Democratic Caucus Whip Julian M. Carroll (left), D-Frankfort, honored Lindsey Brooke Carroll on being crowned the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman for Kentucky as part of the Distinguished Young Women (formerly Junior Miss) scholarship program. The program was established to promote and reward scholarship, leadership and talent in young women throughout the Commonwealth. Lindsey, a senior at Woodford County High School, will represent the Commonwealth at the Distinguished Young Women of America National Finals in Mobile, Alabama on June 23, 2016.
Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, debates a bill up for consideration in the Kentucky Senate on restructuring the Kentucky Horse Park.
Senate Democratic Caucus Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, speaks against a bill to restructure the Kentucky Horse Park in the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Reggie Thomas debates a bill up for consideration in the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, recognized the Cordia High School Lions boys’ basketball team on Feb. 24 in Frankfort for winning the All “A” Classic championship. The Senate adopted Turner’s Senate Resolution 139 honoring the Cordia Lions up on their title win.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II (left), D-Pikeville, on Feb. 23 honored Blake Edmonds on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate for his service on behalf of Kentuckians living with epilepsy. Blake has been selected by the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana to join 40 other youth from across the United States as participants in the national Epilepsy Foundation’s 2016 Teen Speak Up! Program in Washington, D.C. in April 2016. Blake was joined in Frankfort today by his mother, Diane Edmonds.
Senator Perry B. Clark on Feb. 23 recognized veteran Kyle Lankford and his family today on the floor of the Senate for his outstanding service to our country and veterans.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner recognizes Floyd County Judge Executive Ben Hale on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, on Feb. 23 honored students with the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate. MACCS is a diverse group of young leaders, committed to improving themselves and their communities through the practice of Muhammad Ali’s six core principles: Respect, Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Spirituality, and Giving. As a youth-led organization, these dynamic students make decisions that guide the course of their service work and leadership development.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner (second from the left), D-Prestonsburg, met with Hazard Community and Technical College representatives on Feb. 18 in Frankfort. Pictured left to right: Doug Fraley, Turner, Interim President Juston Pate and Stephen Bowling.
The Carter County Youth Leadership went to Frankfort on Feb. 17 to see firsthand the legislative process in action. The juniors from East and West Carter high schools met with Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson. Shown with Senator Webb in the Senate Chambers are, Olivia Caldwell, Alexus Tussey, Karilee Knipp, Taelyn Edison, Layken Stone, Ashley Wilson, Erika Fraley, Ryan Rhodes, Makendra Burton, Cody Maddix and Mariah Isaac, and sponsors Shelly Steiner and Pam Kouns.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, debates an education bill up for consideration in the Kentucky Senate.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, met with LeeAnn Creech, Gretta Roe and Colby Thatcher, representatives of D&S Community Services, on Feb. 17 in Frankfort. D&S is a provider of residential services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Kentucky, Texas and Tennessee.
Feb. 17 was Kentucky Hospice Day at the State Capitol. Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, met with Susan Hunt and Beth Taylor with Community Hospice, Inc., who were in town advocating on behalf of Hospice. Community Hospice is an independent, not-for-profit organization meeting the needs of the terminally ill in Boyd, Greenup, Elliott, Johnson, Carter, Martin and Lawrence counties in Kentucky and Lawrence and Scioto counties in Ohio.
Senator Dorsey Ridley (center), D-Henderson, confers with Senator Dennis Parrett (right), D-Elizabethtown, and Senator Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville, during a brief recess on the Senate floor.
Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville (right), follows proceedings in the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson (left), honored Madisonville Community College President Dr. Judith L. Rhoads (center) on the occasion of her pending retirement on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate. Dr. Rhoads, who is the wife of former state Senator Jerry P. Rhoads, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of MCC since July 1, 1998.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, introduces his granddaughter, Amalee Turner Conlee of Lexington, on the floor of the Kentucky Senate. Amalee Turner is the daughter of Steve and Margalee Turner Conlee, a native of Prestonsburg.
The Senate State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 10 passed Senate Bill 138 sponsored by Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville. SB 138 creates a presumption of a death in the line of duty and eligibility for a lump-sum death benefit for firefighters who obtain certain types of cancer.
Senate Democratic Floor Leaders Ray S. Jones II (second from the right), D-Pikeville, and Senator Johnny Ray Turner (far right), D-Prestonsburg, honored The Big Sandy Singers today on the floor of the Senate. The Big Sandy Singers opened the session today with an acapella performance of “My Old Kentucky Home.” Also, pictured with the group are Actress Jennifer Garner and Mark Shriver, who were in Frankfort today on behalf of Save our Children.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray Jones, D-Pikeville, discusses the Eastern Kentucky economy during a floor speech in the Kentucky Senate.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, honored the Pikeville High School Panthers Football Team on winning the 2015 KHSAA Class 1A State Championship title.
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, follows floor debate in the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Dorsey Ridley (left), D-Henderson, confers with Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, during a brief recess on the floor of the Senate.
Senator Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, met with guests on Feb. 2 representing Pathways Inc. Visiting were Dax Watts with his mother, Celeste Watts, Paige Smith, an occupational therapist, and Dr. Kimberly K. McClanahan, Pathways CEO.
Senator Ray S. Jones, D-Pikeville, met with Lawrence County native Lloyd Moore, who is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lawrence County, today. Moore was in Frankfort for All Masons Day at the Capitol. He and other masons around the state were recognized on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate on Feb. 2.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, offers condolences in the Kentucky Senate on the passing of former state Sen. Georgia Davis Powers of Louisville. Along with serving in the Senate for 21 years, she was also a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. She organized the 1964 March on Frankfort asking for legislation to prohibit discrimination in housing. Senator Powers died on Jan. 30.
Sen. Dennis Parrett discusses legislation with Sen. Reggie Thomas during a brief recess in the Senate.
Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson (right), speaks with Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, during a recess period in the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, filed his papers to seek re-election to the 19th senate district seat with Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes.
Sen. Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, discusses a Second Amendment measure up for consideration in the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 21 passed Senate Bill 42 sponsored by Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville. SB 42 adds holders of adult personal identification cards issued within a county to the master list of potential jurors for that county. The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, for mothers and babies passed out of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Jan. 20. Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 would remove barriers for breastfeeding. During the H&W meeting, there was testimony on the benefits that result from breastfeeding for mothers and babies. The bill, Senator Thomas’ first bill to clear a committee, now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson (right), debates a bill up for consideration in the Kentucky State Senate.
Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg (left), confers with Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray Jones, D-Pikeville, on the floor of the Kentucky Senate.
Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, discusses the Legislative Agenda of the Department of Military Affairs with Brigadier General Stephen R. Hogan, The Adjutant General of Kentucky.
Senator Dennis Parrett (left), D-Elizabethtown, conferred with Senate Democratic Caucus Whip Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, during early January on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.
Senator Morgan McGarvey (center), D-Louisville, discusses legislation facing the 2016 Kentucky General Assembly with Senate colleagues on Jan. 12 during a brief recess. Legislators could be voting on bills on the Senate floor as early as Jan. 14.
Senator Perry B. Clark (left), D-Louisville, confers with a Senate colleague during a brief recess today on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.
Senator Reginald Thomas (left), D-Lexington, and Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, step away from their desk to talk about issues facing the 2016 Kentucky General Assembly. Jan. 12 marks the 6th legislative day of the 60-day session.
Even though the 2016 Legislative Session just convened last week — on Tuesday, January 5 — legislators are already hard at work. Above, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II (left), D-Pikeville, Senator Dorsey Ridley (center), D-Henderson, and Senator Dennis Parrett (right), D-Elizabethtown, research information pertaining to 2016 legislation while the Kentucky State Senate takes a brief recess. Among the work to be done during this 60-day session is the most daunting task of the General Assembly – the drafting of the state’s two-year budget.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, spoke on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate Jan. 7 about Bill Gates’ Nov. 4 visit to Betsy Layne High School. In his speech, the senator said he wanted to brag on the Floyd County School System and the achievements of the district. He said that he was very proud of the students, teachers and all faculty for the students’ academic achievements. The Floyd County School District was 12th among the state’s 173 public school districts in state testing.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, spoke Jan. 6 at a news conference in support of felony expungement legislation. The senator filed a felony expungement bill today in the Senate.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II (left), D-Pikeville, discusses legislation with Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, during the opening day of the Regular Session of the 2016 Kentucky General Assembly in the Kentucky State Senate.
Sen. Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown (right), speaks with Sen. Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville, before the start of the opening legislative session in the Kentucky Senate.
